Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stresses the importance of cultural cooperation for strengthening relations with Austria, highlighting the role of Iranians in Austria and addressing the negative impact of sanctions on cultural initiatives. He advocates for the removal of restrictions to enrich educational and cultural partnerships between the two nations.
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, emphasized the critical role of cultural cooperation in enhancing Iran-Austria relations. He noted that such collaborations act as a crucial bridge between the two nations, enhancing mutual understanding and promoting personal connections between their citizens.
Takht-Ravanchi expressed these views in a post on social media, following his attendance at a conference titled “The History of Cultural and Diplomatic Relations Between Iran and Austria” at the University of Tehran. This event convened academics, diplomats, and cultural experts to explore the historical and modern implications of Iran-Austria relations, particularly focusing on education, research, and cultural exchanges.
During his address, the Deputy Foreign Minister acknowledged the long-standing cultural ties between Iran and Austria, which he claimed extend beyond mere political and economic interactions. He highlighted the contributions of thousands of Iranians, including doctors, professors, and students in Austria, underscoring their importance in advancing cultural dialogue and mutual respect.
Further, Takht-Ravanchi confronted the obstacles to cultural and academic collaboration, specifically attributing these to the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. He denounced these sanctions as unjust, asserting that they severely restrict Iran’s cultural and academic exchanges and called for their immediate removal to foster enhanced partnerships in education and the arts.
In discussing Iran’s proactive cultural diplomacy, he referenced Tehran’s efforts to solidify relationships with various Austrian institutions. This includes collaborations with academic and research organizations as well as cultural and Islamic centers. Takht-Ravanchi also mentioned the significant role of Iran’s cultural attaché offices in Austria in promoting Iranian culture and academic exchanges.
Cultural cooperation emerges as a fundamental pillar for strengthening the relationship between Iran and Austria, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. He highlighted the potential of people-to-people connections to enhance mutual understanding and emphasized the detrimental impact of sanctions on cultural initiatives. Takht-Ravanchi advocates for the removal of these sanctions to enable more dynamic cultural and educational exchanges.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
