TEHRAN-In a move to strengthen cultural and educational relations between Iran and Thailand, a meeting was held last week at North Bangkok University to inaugurate the Iranian Studies Center and the Persian Language Teaching Center.

The event brought together key figures, including Mehdi Zare Bieyb, the cultural attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Thailand, and North Bangkok University officials, including President Pattama Roopsuwankul and heads of various departments, Mehr reported.

Speaking at the event, Bieyb emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation between Iran and Thailand in educational and cultural fields. He highlighted the historical ties between the two nations and said: “Our ties trace back to Sheikh Ahmad Qomi, a 17th-century Iranian trader and diplomat who played a crucial role in establishing and fostering relations between Iran and Thailand”.

“Sheikh Ahmad’s influence in the Thai royal court and his contributions to Thai society exemplify the deep historical connections that continue to shape relations between the two countries today,” Bieyb noted.

The Iranian official also pointed out a unique shared trait between Iran and Thailand. “Both nations have maintained their sovereignty without falling under foreign rule throughout their histories. This shared experience of independence is a strong foundation for further collaboration in cultural, educational, and international arenas”.

“The inauguration of the Iranian Studies Center and the Persian Language Teaching Center at North Bangkok University is seen as a milestone in this ongoing partnership,” he added. “The teaching of Persian in Thailand will act as a bridge, enabling Thai students to gain a deeper understanding of Iran’s rich language, literature, culture, history, and art”.

He emphasized that Persian, one of the oldest and most profound languages globally, offers a gateway to exploring the philosophical, mystical, and humanistic concepts embedded in Iranian poetry and literature.

The cultural attaché underscored the importance of direct engagement with Iranian sources and experts to achieve a true understanding of Iran, cautioning against relying solely on Western media for information.

In her remarks, the university president Pattama Roopsuwankul expressed North Bangkok University's eagerness to collaborate with Iran, and noted “Despite cultural and geographical differences, the populations of Thailand and Iran are quite similar in size—a factor that could help strengthen bilateral cooperation”.

She stressed the critical role of universities in disseminating accurate and unbiased information, suggesting that academic institutions should serve as active centers for truth and knowledge dissemination.

Roopsuwankul further highlighted the university’s readiness to expand cultural cooperation with Iran, particularly through the Persian language program and other joint cultural activities. She proposed the exchange of faculty and students as a crucial first step, which could enhance the quality of education and research in both countries and foster closer cultural understanding.

Additionally, she advocated for the translation and distribution of Iranian scientific, literary, and cultural books in Thailand. “Access to such materials would enable Thai students to gain comprehensive insights into Iranian culture, history, and art”.

She suggested that the exchange of books could play a vital role in enriching the educational resources at universities and in deepening cultural and scientific relations between the two nations.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on future plans, existing challenges, and potential strategies to elevate cultural and educational collaboration between Iran and Thailand.

SS/