China-Iran Culture and Tourism Exchange Meeting and The Photo Exhibition of Contemporary Iran officially launched
In 1971, China and Iran established diplomatic relations, and the two countries met again across the long river of history in the morning of April 26. The China-Iran Culture and Tourism Exchange Meeting and Photo Exhibition of Contemporary Iran were grandly opened in Qujiangyin Modern Art Center, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism of Iran, and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, supported by the Iran-China Friendship Association, National Documentary Association of Iran and National Museum of Iran, and co-organized by Qujiangyin Modern Art Center and Xi'an Jiuye Culture and Tourism Industry Development Ltd.
Mr. Darabi, Vice-Minister and Cultural Heritage Deputy of Iran's Cultural Heritage Tourism and Handcrafts Ministry, Mr. Nokandeh, Director General of the National Museum of Iran, Mr. Chen Bing, Director of the Center for Economic, Trade and Investment Promotion of the SCO Agricultural Base, Mr. Zhai Lifeng, President of Shaanxi Creative Culture Industry Association， Mr. Liu Zhengjun, President of Xi'an Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association， Professor Li Fuquan, Director of the Center for Iranian Studies at Northwest University, Mr. Hossein Khalifi, Representative of the National Documentary Association of Iran in China, Mr. Shojayi, Assistant to Minister of Ministry of Tourism of Iran, Ms. Wang Dan, Director of the organizing committee of "Glorious Silk Road Embracing Shaanxi" and other managerial leaders of Qujiangyin attended this meeting.
As a base for international exchange and cooperation, Qujiangyin Modern Art Center has celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands, the 1st International Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Week, and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea. It has thus become a crucial platform for obtaining first-hand information on regional exchanges, carrying the story of cultural and artistic exchanges, economic and trade cooperation and mutual appreciation, and the progression of Xi'an making global exposure.
China and Iran have been in contact for more than 2,000 years, and the Silk Road has closely linked the two countries. The featured photography exhibition is held to commemorate the profound friendship between the two countries, to strengthen the cultural and artistic exchanges, and to showcase the renowned Iranian photographic artworks.
Mr. Darabi said, "Iran has thousands of years of human history, which is hard to articulate in words. If you have seen Isfahan, you have seen half of the world. The Silk Road is an important link between China and Iran, and we hope that we can motivate more interactions and activities between Iran and China to promote the mutual perception of cultures."
This exchange meeting once again deepens the mutual understanding and cooperation between China and Iran, revitalizes the Silk Road impact, and expands humanistic and trade exchanges, which is of significant importance for both countries.
Mr. Nokandeh said in his speech that more than three million works are preserved in the National Museum of Iran, each of which reflects the fantastic Iranian history. Among them, many Chinese pieces of porcelain demonstrate the friendly relations between China and Iran throughout history. He also expressed his hope that an exhibition of Iranian cultural relics could be held in Xi'an in the future to expand the cooperation between the two countries regarding museums.
The opening ceremony of the documentary film - "China's Imprint in Iran" directed by Mr. Hossein Khalifi was inaugurated at the exchange meeting. Mr. Hossein Khalifi shared his idea of making a documentary: "As an ambassador of Sino-Iranian friendship, I love the culture of both countries, and I hope that through the documentary, I can connect both sides to send out the positive energy of Iran and promote the Chinese culture."
The Chinese and Iranian people have been learning from each other in a long-term friendship, and the exchanges between the two countries in various fields have been deepening. Both countries inherit and carry forward the Silk Road spirit and friendship, constantly enriching the connotation of bilateral relations, enhancing the public support for Sino-Iranian friendship, and connecting the hearts and minds of the people.
