As part of the official visit to Armenia by a delegation led by Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Hamid Pourmohammadi, Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Zhanna Andreasyan, received the delegation.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the importance of strengthening the centuries-old historical and cultural ties between the two peoples and ensuring their continuity. She spoke with particular appreciation of the open-air concert given 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 extended to the Armenian musicians.

Seyed Hamid Pourmohammadi also underscored the importance of strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries, as well as preserving and further developing their shared historical heritage.

The sides placed particular emphasis on promoting greater mutual awareness and recognition of contemporary art in both countries through reciprocal cultural events and joint initiatives. In particular, they discussed the upcoming concert of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra in Armenia and highlighted the importance of introducing the newly published Armenian translation of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, translated by Gevorg Asatryan, to Armenian readers.

In this context, the sides stressed the significance of reciprocal participation in book festivals held in the two countries, translations of contemporary literature, and the organization of book launches and presentations. In the field of the arts, particular attention was given to promoting joint initiatives in film production and the organization of film festivals, building on successful experience to date.

The possibility of implementing joint youth initiatives was also discussed, with particular emphasis on the prospects for organizing youth camps. The officials also considered youth engagement as an opportunity to promote tourism development.

The meeting also addressed ways to encourage the teaching of Persian in Armenia’s general education schools. In this regard, the sides highlighted the importance of developing Persian-language educational materials, providing professional development opportunities for teachers, and facilitating the exchange of experience.

The meeting also covered other issues of mutual interest.