TEHRAN – The Iranian embassy in the Republic of Ireland hosted several Irish guests on Sunday, who had turned up to mark the 45th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. 

The Iranian Chargé d'affaires delivered a speech, thanking the guests for joining Iranians in Ireland for the celebration of Iran’s “national day.”

“February 11, 1979, was the beginning of a new era for the Iranian people and hence, designated as our National Day,” said Kazem Sharif Kazemi, adding that Iranians still have to go to great lengths to preserve the fruits of the revolution. 

He also drew parallels between the people of Iran and Ireland, pointing out how the two countries feel a deep-rooted pull towards independence and dignity. 

“Iran and Ireland might be geographically distant, but our people have many things in common, particularly the desire for freedom and independence, the fighting spirit against colonialism, foreign interference and pressures.”

Another speech was delivered by the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann which is the lower house of Ireland’s parliament. Seán Ó Fearghaíl touched on the cordial and historic relations of Iran and Ireland and acknowledged Iranian citizens’ valuable “contribution” to the European country.