The official opening ceremony of the Centre for Iranian Studies and Geopolitical Analysis was held at Gladzor University in Yerevan.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia Alfred Kocharyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami, and Rector of Gladzor University Zhora Jhangiryan,
Congratulating Gladzor University on the establishment of the Centre for Iranian Studies and Geopolitical Analysis, Deputy Minister Alfred Kocharyan emphasized its particular significance for Armenia’s academic and educational community.
He highlighted the centuries-old ties between Armenia and Iran, the historical bonds shared by the two peoples, and their friendly relations rooted in a rich cultural heritage and mutual respect.
“Cultural dialogue and cooperation are among the most vivid expressions of the centuries-old friendship between our two peoples. Through joint efforts, numerous initiatives have been implemented, establishing successful practices in the preservation and promotion of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
At the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the St. Thaddeus, St. Stepanos and Dzordzor Monasteries, which form part of Iran’s Armenian historical and cultural heritage, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
We express our gratitude to the Iranian side for supporting the inclusion of Armenian heritage on this prestigious UNESCO list and for its efforts to preserve these monuments. Another important achievement of our cooperation has been the inscription of the Pilgrimage to the Monastery of St. Thaddeus on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as well as the ongoing work to prepare new joint nominations,” the Deputy Minister noted.
Speaking about cultural ties between Armenia and Iran, Kocharyan also highlighted the participation of Iranian folk artisans and craftspeople in the annual International Arts and Crafts Festival held in various regions of Armenia.
Alfred Kocharyan also recalled that in 2025, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, the National Library and Archives of Iran. Notably, five Iranian studies specialists work in Matenadaran’s Department of Oriental Studies, while its permanent museum exhibition features valuable examples of Persian-language manuscripts.
“I am confident that science, education and culture serve as important bridges for strengthening mutual understanding between peoples, while academic dialogue can also make a significant contribution to the development of interstate and diplomatic relations. I congratulate us all on the establishment of the Centre and wish it every success in becoming a hub for new research initiatives, effective cooperation and significant achievements,” Alfred Kocharyan concluded.