Iran and Latin America keen to expand cultural relations

TEHRAN,Feb.14(MNA) -- Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Hosseini met with a delegation from Latin America on Sunday where he stressed on the need to expand the cultural relations between Iran and Latin America. The delegation of journalists, literati and artists headed by the director of the Oriental Thought Cultural Institute in Qom, Hojjatoleslam Mohsen Rabbani, held talks with Hosseini. Hosseini said that there is a good relationship between Iran and the countries of Latin America, which began with political and economic relations and continued in the cultural fields as well. Iran has plans to dispatch artists, and hold art and cultural exhibitions in Latin America, he added. Hosseini also expressed hope that the guests would pass on the truth about Iran and Iranian culture to their fellow citizens. He also asked the literati and the reporters to reflect the truth at the universities and in the media. He continued saying that the direct relationship has shortened the long geographical distance between Iran and Latin America. Guest Juan Pedro Ribas from Uruguay next asked for a delegation of Iranian artists to travel to his country to train the artists of his country. Xavier David from Colombia next asked about the Iranian-run Spanish language TV channel Hispan TV which has recently been launched. “The Spanish language was not our priority in former times but it has been our main concern these days to help transfer our culture to other countries. Of course targeting Latin America is our main goal rather than Spain,” Hosseini replied. He also said that Iran is increasing the number of its cultural attachés in the countries of Latin America, adding that the artists from Latin America are warmly welcomed in any of the Iranian festivals.