TEHRAN -- Iran and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Moscow International Book Fair on Sunday.

The agreement was inked by Iran’s Cultural Exhibitions Institute managing director Ehsanollah Hojjati and Russia’s representative Nikolai Ovsianikov during Iran’s Publication Day ceremony held on the sidelines of the fair.

Outlined in nine paragraphs, the memo aims to facilitate the participation of Iranian and Russian publishers in the book fairs of the two countries.

“We are eager to present our ancient culture to other countries,” Hojjati said.

He mentioned to the development of Iran’s publication industry after the victory of the Islamic Revolution and added, “Some 1,500 books had been published until 1977 while the figure touched 25,000 in 2005. “The number of publishers has also soared to 4,000 from 114 during the same period.”

He believes that Iran is potential enough to hold international book fairs.

“Over 2.5 million people visit the annual Tehran International Book Fair,” he added.

Ovsianikov said that such cooperation will lead to the better understanding of the two nations’ capacities.