Iranian cultural week opens at Indonesian National Museum

Tehran Times Culture Desk,  5 March 2009

TEHRAN –- Iranian cultural week opened for the first time ever at the National Museum of Indonesia on Tuesday. 

Indonesia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, the chairman of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) Mehdi Mostafavi and Iran’s ambassador to Indonesia Behruz Kamalvandi attended the opening ceremony. 

Kamalvandi made the opening speech and said that the cultural event provides the opportunity for the people of Indonesia to visit part of the art and cultural heritage of Iran. 

He also expressed his gratitude to the cultural officials of Indonesia for their cooperation with the Iranian embassy. 

ICRO chairman Mostafavi spoke next and said that this first cultural week in Indonesia represents a good example of ties between both countries and helps introduce the rich culture of Iran to the people of Indonesia. 

He pointed out that Iran’s culture is wide spread in the Asian region and said that this is due to the profound influence of Persian culture and literature in the region. He added, “Indonesia has also been influenced by Persian culture and literature, some examples of which include many Persian words and proverbs observed in Indonesian literature.” 

Indonesia’s minister Jero Wacik was next to speak and said that this cultural event in Jakarta demonstrates Indonesia’s desire to enhance cultural ties with Iran. 

Afterwards, Mostafavi and Wacik attended a press conference held at the venue of the exhibit. 

Minister Wacik said that following the Indonesian delegation’s trip to Tehran, a contract was drawn up and signed in the cultural and tourism section, which extended the exchange of art and cultural programs between both countries for three more years. 

Mostafavi also expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian cultural officials and said that as the people of two countries get to know each other better; this will help deepen ties between both states.