Armenian education and culture minister meets Iranian vice president in Yerevan

Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has met with a delegation led by Iranian Vice President Seyyed Hamid Pourmohammadi during the latter's official visit to Armenia.

Andreasyan emphasized the importance of strengthening the centuries-old historical and cultural ties between the two peoples and ensuring their continuity, the ministry said in a press release.

The minister recalled with particular admiration the open-air concert performed by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra last year at the historic Persepolis complex in Iran, describing it as an exceptional cultural event and expressing gratitude for the warm reception.

Seyyed Hamid Pourmohammadi also emphasized the importance of strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries and preserving and developing their historical heritage.

The sides placed particular importance on promoting awareness of the contemporary art of the two peoples through reciprocal events and joint programs. In particular, they outlined the upcoming concert of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra in Armenia and emphasized the importance of promoting Ferdowsi's “Shahnameh,” recently published in a translation by Gevorg Asatryan, among Armenian readers.

In this context, they emphasized reciprocal participation in book festivals held in the two countries, translations of contemporary literature and the organization of book presentations. In the field of art, particular emphasis was placed on promoting programs aimed at filmmaking and the organization of film festivals, building on the successful experience already gained.

The possibility of implementing joint projects in the youth sector was also discussed, with particular emphasis on prospects for establishing youth camps. The officials also viewed youth engagement from the perspective of tourism development.

The meeting also addressed promoting the teaching of Persian in Armenia's general education schools. In this context, the development of Persian-language educational materials, professional training for teachers and the exchange of experience were highlighted.

The meeting also covered other issues of mutual interest.