TEHRAN- A meeting to discuss the expansion of cultural ties between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, including the organization of joint cultural weeks and days, was held at the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan in Baku.

The event was attended by officials from Iran's Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) and senior Azerbaijani cultural representatives, ILNA reported on Saturday.

During the session, Abdolreza Rashed, Deputy for Regional and International Relations Development at the ICRO, highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cultural relations between the two nations.

“Just as the Presidents of both nations have committed to enhancing bilateral relations, cultural officials must also dedicate their efforts to achieving these shared objectives,” he said. 

He further explained that the ICRO bears the responsibility of strengthening and coordinating cultural relations globally. The development of cultural exchanges is of paramount importance as a foundation for expanding cooperation across other sectors.

Rashed identified the primary aim of the meeting as exploring the organization of a cultural week between Iran and Azerbaijan. He proposed that these cultural weeks initially be held in the capitals of both countries, allowing for experience accumulation before expanding the program to other cities.

Rashed also announced that Tabriz city officials expressed readiness to host the Azerbaijani cultural week. He also suggested that, beyond Tabriz, Ardabil, and Urmia, other Iranian cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and others be considered as potential hosts for Azerbaijani cultural weeks.

He further outlined the diverse components planned for the cultural week, including handicrafts, traditional arts, music, cinema and theater, performing arts and animation, cultural technologies and creative industries, calligraphy, miniature art, fashion, cuisine, literature, and other cultural topics.

He proposed that cultural facilities in Baku, Ganja, and Nakhchivan be visited to assess potential venues and resources. Rashed also highlighted the upcoming Shahriar Congress in Tabriz, inviting Azerbaijani researchers, writers, and enthusiasts of the Iranian poet to participate. Additionally, he invited Azerbaijani cultural delegations to visit selected Iranian cities and cultural sites, suggesting that the final implementation document for the cultural week be signed in Tehran.

Farid Jafarov, Deputy for International Relations at the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, expressed Azerbaijan’s readiness to host joint cultural weeks and days, referencing the recent visit of the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan and the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cultural exchanges. 

He underscored the importance of holding these events at the highest level to deepen bilateral cultural relations.

Jafarov also emphasized Azerbaijan’s interest in hosting Azerbaijani cultural days in Tehran, Tabriz, Ardabil, and Urmia, highlighting plans to feature concerts, theater performances, and traditional Azerbaijani dances in Iran.

Huseyn Muradov, Deputy Minister of Culture for Artistic Affairs in Azerbaijan, stressed the significance of cooperation in cinema and traditional music, noting that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation organizes international mugham music competitions in Azerbaijan where Iranian participants have frequently showcased exceptional talent and brilliance.

During the meeting, both sides agreed on coordinating the exact dates for the cultural weeks, establishing rules and regulations, and considering potential limitations. The timing for the cultural weeks was set for after Nowruz 1405 (March 2026), with Iran and Azerbaijan each scheduling their respective events accordingly.

The session concluded with a detailed review of the logistical arrangements and planning specifics for the Iran-Azerbaijan cultural weeks, aimed at fostering closer ties through shared cultural celebrations.

SAB/