Iran and Iraq keen to develop media cooperation

TEHRAN,May 19(MNA) – Iranian and Iraqi officials have recently announced that they are keen to develop media cooperation. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Director Ezzatollah Zarghami held talks with several Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Thursday and both sides emphasized on expansion of bilateral cultural and media relations. Heading an Iranian delegation, Zarghami met Iraqi Culture Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi, where the idea of establishing an Iranian cultural center in Iraq was warmly received by the minister, Persian news agencies reported on Thursday. Al-Dulaimi said that Iraqi TV channels need to learn more about Iran’s experiences in TV productions; he also asked IRIB to hold education courses for Iraqi TV experts and producers. Iran is currently reflecting the message of Islamic Revolution and Islam through its 160 television and radio programs to the world, Zarghami noted, emphasizing that the media of both countries must help reinforce relations between Iran and Iraq. He later handed a copy of Iranian TV series “Mokhtarnameh” dubbed in Arabic to the minister. Directed by Davud Mirbaqeri, the 40-episode “Mokhtarnameh” is about an uprising organized by Mokhtar Saqafi after the events of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, to take revenge against the killers of Imam Hussein (AS). Zarghami also met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, in which Zarghami talked about Iran’s willingness to cooperate with Iraqi television producers. The Minister of Tourism, Liwaa Sumaisem was next who Zarghami met. The minister praised the efforts by Iranian experts in preserving and renovating historical monuments and manuscripts and asked for their cooperation with his country. Meeting with Leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, Ammar Hakim was also arranged during his visit.