Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, affirmed the essential role of cultural cooperation in strengthening Iran-Austria relations during a conference at the University of Tehran. He noted the contributions of Iranians in Austria to cultural dialogue and emphasized the adverse effects of sanctions on academic exchanges. Takht-Ravanchi called for the removal of these restrictions to enable more extensive cultural partnerships.
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, has emphasized the significance of cultural cooperation in enhancing the relationship between Iran and Austria. He articulated that such collaborations act as essential bridges, deepening mutual understanding and fostering connections between the citizens of both countries.
These statements were made public through his social media account X, where he discussed his involvement in a conference titled “The History of Cultural and Diplomatic Relations Between Iran and Austria” held at the University of Tehran. This conference gathered academics, diplomats, and cultural experts to explore both the historical and contemporary dimensions of Iran-Austria relations, especially in education, research, and cultural exchange.
During the conference, Mr. Takht-Ravanchi underscored Iran’s rich history of cultural interactions with Austria, indicating that their partnership transcends mere political and economic affiliations. He mentioned the substantial contribution of the Iranian community in Austria, which comprises doctors, professors, students, and business professionals, in enhancing cultural dialogue and understanding between the two nations.
Furthermore, he pointed out the obstacles to cultural and academic exchanges, particularly the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. He criticized these sanctions as detrimental to Iran’s opportunities for collaboration in the arts and sciences and called for their removal to facilitate more effective cultural partnerships.
In his address, he also outlined Iran’s proactive cultural diplomacy efforts, detailing plans to bolster connections with Austrian institutions through academic collaborations, engagement with cultural centers, and partnerships with media associations. He noted the crucial role of Iran’s cultural attaché offices in Austria in promoting Iranian culture and fostering academic exchanges.
In summary, Majid Takht-Ravanchi’s remarks underscore the pivotal role of cultural cooperation in improving Iran-Austria relations. He highlighted the impact of cultural diplomacy and the importance of addressing external challenges, particularly sanctions, that hinder collaboration. Iran’s sustained efforts in enhancing ties with Austrian institutions underscore a commitment to enriching cultural dialogue and educational partnerships.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
