Art And Culture
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Italy Seeks Broader Cultural, Cinematic Bonds

Italy Seeks Broader  Cultural, Cinematic Bonds
Italy Seeks Broader  Cultural, Cinematic Bonds

C ultural ministers of Italy and Iran emphasized the development of cultural and artistic ties between the two countries at a meeting in Tehran on Monday, September 28.

“We are ready for mutual cooperation and support interaction between the National Museum of Oriental Art in Rome and the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, among others,” said Dario Franceschini, Italian minister for cultural heritage and activities and tourism in his meeting with Ali Jannati, minister of culture and Islamic guidance, IRNA reported.

Jannati who signed a cultural MoU during his recent visit to Italy, said the meetings with various Italian officials were fruitful and hoped for “future expansion of cultural interaction.”

Franceschini said in accordance with “our cultural-artistic MoU, we can have much broader relations in these fields. Based on our historical backgrounds, our two nations have many commonalties.”

He highlighted Italian enthusiasm in getting better acquainted with Persian language and literature, pointing that expansion of cultural ties will serve the interests of both nations.

Emphasizing cinematic interaction, he said there is a great interest in Iranian films in Italy as this industry is on the rise in Iran. “Rome can help Iran in the field by taking on restoration and reconstruction of film reels.”

Referring to the Mina stampede, Franceschini expressed sympathy with the bereaved families, saying that the Italian nation and government feel deep sympathy for the Iranian nation on the sad occasion.

The stampede occurred on September 24 during the ritual known as ‘Stoning the Devil’. Pilgrims were on way to Jamarat to perform the ritual as part of the annual hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, when there was a sudden surge in the crowd, causing a large number of people to fall.

Thousands of people have died in the tragic event. The number of Iranian casualties has reached 266, with 239 pilgrims confirmed dead and 27 injured so far.

“It was a disaster because a group of believers lost their lives while performing their religious rituals,” he added.

 Visa Facilitation

Jannati said Rome should facilitate visas for Iranian artists and professors who plan to participate in cultural, artistic and literary events in Italy.

“Efforts have been made on the basis of the agreement to implement decisions taken by the two sides. So far, some of the measures have been executed including introducing Persian language and literature professors to teach at Italian universities,” Jannati said.

He also congratulated his counterpart on holding the Expo Milano 2015 successfully. A month ago, Jannati attended the special ceremony held for Iran’s National Day at Expo Milano (August 23). Iran has had a big presence in the social cultural event this year.

The six-month-long exposition comprises over 60 pavilions each introducing art and culture of a specific nation, and has attracted millions of visitors from around the world. It ends on October 31.

Jannati said Iran is ready to hold a Cultural Week in Italy and present local artworks, films and musical performances as well as other cultural activities to the Italian people.

Franceschini visited the National Art Museum, located at the Cultural Ministry building.

 

Financialtribune.com