Pakistan, Iran to sign MoU on cooperation in arts, literature

ISLAMABAD, Mar 19 (APP):Pakistan and Iran will formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) soon to explore
more avenues of cooperation in the fields of literature, arts and culture.
This was agreed by Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage
(NH&LH), Irfan Siddiqui and Iranian Cultural Counselor, Shahabuddin Darai during a meeting
held here Monday.
Iranian Cultural Counselor, Shahabuddin Darai, who has just completed his three-year
tenure, invited Advisor to Prime Minister, Irfan Siddiqui to Tehran for signing this MoU.
Accepting his invitation, Advisor to Prime Minister, Irfan Siddiqui said Pakistan and Iran
are tied in the religious, historical, cultural and civilizational bond which require enhancing
cooperation on literary and cultural fronts too.
Both the countries also share the same literary and poetic legacy which is vital to bring
peoples of both countries further closer, he added.
Irfan Siddiqui emphasized on taking mutual steps for preservation and promotion of
calligraphy, besides other fields of arts.
Speaking during the meeting, Iranian Cultural Counselor, Shahabuddin Darai paid tribute
to the exemplary contribution of NH&LH Division for promotion of literature, arts and culture
in the country during a short span of time.
He said, “Contribution of this newly created Division is a torch-bearer and a source
of inspiration for me and Iranian people”.
Iranian Cultural Counselor said during visit of Advisor to Prime Minister, Irfan Siddiqui
to Tehran, a MoU will be signed, seeking Pak-Iran cooperation in different sections of arts
and literature.
Irfan Siddiqui appreciated the services of the outgoing counsellor in Pakistan and
hoped he will continue his efforts to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Acting, Iranian Cultural Counselor, Muhammad Raza Kaka, Joint Secretary, NH&LH
Division, Capt (R) Abdul Majeed Niazi and Deputy Secretary, Nazir Ahmad were also
present in the meeting.