TEHRAN – The Xinjiang and Western China Cultural Week, introducing aspects of the ethnic heritage native to he Xinjiang region in the northwest part of the country, was inaugurated at Tehran’s Niavaran Cultural Center on Monday.

Iranian Deputy Culture Minister for Artist Affairs Ali Moradkhani, Chinese Ambassador to Tehran Pang Sen, and Deputy Director of the (Communist Party of China) CPC Central Committee Publicity Department Cui Yuying, as well as a number of ambassadors attended the opening ceremony, the center announced in a press release on Monday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cui Yuying said that the two great civilizations of China and Iran have helped the world make progress.

She hoped that the program helps reinforce friendship between the two countries, and leads to more bilateral collaborations.

In his short speech the ambassador also said he hoped that the cultural programs show part of the culture of the countries and turn the Silk Road into the road of peace.

Moradkhani for his part also expressed thanks to the organizers of the event and said that art and cultural commonalties between the two countries will lead to future cooperation. 

Exhibitions of photos, traditional costumes and musical instruments will be underway during the week, while traditional plays are due to be performed today and tomorrow.

The event has been sponsored by the State Council Information Office of China, the Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, and the Embassy of China in Tehran.

Photo: A group of Chinese artists performs during the opening ceremony of the Xinjiang and Western China Cultural Week at Tehran’s Niavaran Cultural Center on August 22, 2016. (Mehr/Abolfazl Arabjavadi) 

RM/YAW