The expansion of cultural cooperation and finding ways “to fight against violence and extremism” were emphasized by Norwegian Ambassador to Tehran Aud Lise Norheim in a meeting with Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati in Tehran, on Monday.
Referring to the ancient Persian civilization which is reflected in Iran’s art and culture, Norheim hailed the country’s success in the field of films and theater. “Iranian films are increasingly in the limelight and receiving international awards, especially in directorship. There are also significant number of women directors, which makes it outstanding in comparison to other countries,” the envoy said, adding that a number of Norwegian theatre groups will take part in the upcoming Fajr festival (January 21 - February 1, 2015) in Iran. The Fajr International Film Festival is the most important cultural event in the country and is held annually.
Iran is eager to cooperate with Norway in the cultural and arts fields, including exchange of cultural and arts delegations in the areas of music, theater, film and visual arts, said Jannati on his part.
Referring to the presence of Norheim at the recent conference on a World Free of Violence and Extremism in Tehran, Jannati noted that the scope of cooperation between Oslo and Tehran should focus on various cultural areas, particularly in holding religious dialogues between Norwegian church officials and Iranian religious figures on common Islam-Christianity issues, and signing MoUs in this regard.
Tackling Extremism
Norheim also said that taking action against extremism is on the agenda of the Norwegian foreign ministry.
The International Conference on World against Violence and Extremism was held in Tehran from December 9-10 to honor the proposal put forward by President Hassan Rouhani in his speech at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly regarding the exigency of forming a global coalition to fight the growth of extremism and radicalism across the globe.
On December 18, 2013, the UN General Assembly unanimously voted to adopt President Rouhani’s World Against Violence and Extremism (WAVE) proposal with consensus, despite opposition from the United States and Israel.
