The Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe, Mr Hami Bakhtiyar received one of Zimbabwe’s top Christian Clerics, Archbishop Joannes Ndanga who is the President of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ), a grouping of indigenous Apostolic churches in the country.

The visit to the Centre by Archbishop Ndanga was meant to solidify the excellent relationship that exists between his organization and the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran, a relationship that has endured many years of friendship.

Archbishop Ndanga last night brought with him a message of renewal and consolidation of the long standing relationship.

In his warm welcoming remarks, Mr Bakhtiyar said he was highly elated to receive a highly rated religious figure in the form of Archbishop Ndanga to the Cultural Centre.

The Cultural Counsellor pledged to work closely with the Archbishop in advancing all issues to do with interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence between followers of the Abrahamic faith, cultural exchange programmes as well as in the exchange of views in matters that affect Christianity and Islam, locally, regionally and internationally.

He further noted that cultural relations between Zimbabwe and Iran are set to grow following the indications by both countries to renew the Agreements on Arts, Culture and Sport cooperation between the Two countries as well as to negotiate new agreements in Information, Technology exchange and in many other areas of cooperation.

Archbishop Ndanga pledged to do his best in improving the relationship between his organization in particular and Zimbabwe in general with the Islamic Republic of Iran, a country he described as a great friend of Zimbabwe.

He further committed himself to foster a new partnership with other religious organisations in Zimbabwe through the Interreligious Dialogue platform initiated by the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran.