Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi highlighted cultural cooperation as crucial for strengthening ties with Austria. He noted the significant role of Iranians in Austria and criticized unilateral sanctions hindering cooperation. Takht-Ravanchi emphasized Iran’s extensive cultural diplomacy to improve exchanges and collaboration with Austrian institutions.
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, emphasized the significance of cultural cooperation in enhancing relations between Iran and Austria. He described such collaborations as essential for fostering mutual understanding and deepening connections among the citizens of both nations.
His remarks came in a social media post regarding his participation in the conference “The History of Cultural and Diplomatic Relations Between Iran and Austria,” held at the University of Tehran. This event convened academics, diplomats, and cultural experts to examine the importance of Iran-Austria relations, particularly in education, research, and cultural exchange.
During his address, Takht-Ravanchi noted the historical context of cultural interaction between the two countries, which transcends political and economic aspects. He acknowledged that the presence of thousands of Iranians in Austria—comprising professionals, students, and academics—has been pivotal in cultivating deeper cultural dialogues and fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
Addressing obstacles to cultural and academic collaboration, Takht-Ravanchi pointed out the detrimental impact of unilateral sanctions from the United States and the European Union. He characterized these sanctions as unjust and detrimental to Iran’s opportunities in cultural and academic exchanges, urging for their immediate removal to facilitate broader collaborations in science, arts, and education.
He outlined Iran’s proactive cultural diplomacy, highlighting recent initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with Austrian institutions. This includes partnerships with academic and research organizations, collaboration with Austrian cultural centers, and engagement with media and cultural groups. The efforts of Iran’s cultural attaché offices in Austria have also been critical in promoting Iranian culture, literature, and academic exchanges.
The strengthening of Iran-Austria relations can significantly benefit from enhanced cultural cooperation, as emphasized by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Overcoming external challenges such as sanctions can pave the way for fruitful academic and cultural partnerships, further enriching diplomatic ties and fostering mutual respect between the two nations.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
