The memorandums of understanding that have been signed between the two sides call for an increase in cooperation in the form of exchange of cultural and artistic delegations as well as exchange of information in the field of films, photos, slides, theatrical arts and music.

Ahmad Masjedjamei, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, recently headed a delegation to Tajikistan, where he met with the Tajik President and delivered Iranian President Mohammad Khatami’s message. Amidst the Tajikistan’s Independence Celebrations several memorandums of cooperation were signed between the two sides.

The minister stated that Tajikistan has completed the preparatory stages of acceding to the International Book Standard, and Iran hopes to sign a memorandum of understanding in this regard. Cultural commonalities and historical roots that Iran and Tajikistan share have provided fertile ground for developing fruitful cultural relations between the two countries, and this opportunity must be utilized in the best possible manner. Tajikistan hosts a wide array of the artistic works of our ancestors and this gives extra impetus to develop closer cooperation between our cultural heritage organizations.

The minister part took in the Millennium Commemoration of Nasser Khosro—11th century poet—in the Tajik capital Dushanbe. During the ceremony he stated that we Iranians are also committed to the beliefs advocated by Nasser Khosro and the participation of Iranian researchers in this event is a testimony of the fact that Nasser Khosro belongs not only to the Iranians and the Tajiks but to all Persian-speaking people of the world.

During the visit a project was proposed which would eventually lead to the showing of Iranian movies in Tajik cinemas. The memorandums of understanding that have been signed between the two sides call for an increase in cooperation in the form of exchange of cultural and artistic delegations as well as exchange of information in the field of films, photos, slides, theatrical arts and music.

Masjedjamei suggested that these endeavors be facilitated by establishing a Persian Language Study and Research Center with the help of both countries. When such a center comes into existence we can better utilize the works and studies of researchers and literary scholars working in both countries to introduce and promote Persian language and literature on a global level. This center can also engage in reproducing old and handwritten copies of books stored in the libraries of both countries, while having the additional effect of introducing Iranian and Tajik cultural and literary personalities to one another.