TEHRAN-Syrian Culture Minister Lubanah Mshaweh said her country is ready to expand joint cultural cooperation with Iran in the field of resistance.

She made the remarks at a meeting with Mohammad-Mehdi Imanipour, the head of the Islamic Culture and Relation Organization on Friday in St. Petersburgh in Russia.

They met on the sideline of the 9th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum, November 16-18, ISNA reported on Saturday.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been a pioneer in the resistance filed and supporting the oppressed people of Palestine,” Mshaweh said.

“We are in favor of holding a joint cartoon exhibition on the heinous crimes of the Zionist regime and inviting Iranian musicians to Syria to hold performances about Gaza,” she added.

For his part, Imanipour said that Iran welcomes organizing Syrian cultural programs, especially holding a session for the two countries poets on the subjects of Gaza and resistance.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting musicians to produce new pieces about the crimes of the occupying Zionist regime.

Culture ministers and heads of international organizations from 41 countries including Iran, Syria, China, Spain, Italy, and Britain attended the 9th edition of the Russian event.

The St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum is organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The activities of the Forum are focused on international cooperation, mutual enrichment of cultures, and bridging differences via the consolidation of creative forces taking place within the Forum’s framework.

Its main focal area is the issues of global cultural processes. At the same time, special attention is paid to a look into the future and the unique role of culture in resolving conflicts.

The Forum creates a unique opportunity for professional exchange of views, reaching agreements on joint creative initiatives aimed at preserving and popularizing the best examples of world cultural heritage and developing international cultural dialogue based on the principles of mutual understanding and respect.

SS/SAB