Iran proposes establishment of joint Farabi studies center with Kazakhstan

TEHRAN,June 7(MNA) -- Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Hosseini met with his Kazakh counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday and proposed establishing a joint studies center to help introduce the Iranian philosopher Farabi to the world. Hosseini held talks with Kazakhstan Minister of Culture and Information Darkhan Mynbay in Beijing on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit being held on June 6 and 7. They both talked about the cultural commonalities between the two countries and emphasized the expansion of cultural and media relations, the Persian service of Fars News Agency reported on Wednesday. An Iranian Muslim philosopher and a prominent musician, Abu Nasr Farabi (c. 878-950), was regarded in the Arab world as the greatest philosophical authority after Aristotle. Hosseini regarded the summit a good opportunity to develop relations between the countries and hoped to broaden cultural activities in different cities in Kazakhstan. He also proposed establishing an annual literary award to encourage the young poets of both countries. Minister Mynbay also stated that holding film weeks as well as translating books could help boost relations. He also noted that joint film projects about the historical and literary figures of both countries would lead to expansion of bilateral ties. Moreover, Hosseini held talks with Russian Deputy Minister of Culture Pavel Khoroshilov and stressed on increased collaboration. He said that Iran and Russia enjoy commonalities in culture, civilizations and beliefs, adding that Iran and Russia can strengthen their collaboration to stand against the cultural invasion of the West. Khoroshilov also said that Moscow is ready to develop ties with Tehran and collaborate in holding art and cultural exhibitions.