The Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe, Mr Hamid Bakhtiyar yesterday morning met the president of the Zimbabwe Union Council of Churches (ZUCOC), Dr. Never Pavari at the Cultural Centre offices where issues to do with future cooperation between the Cultural Centre and ZUCOC were discussed.

The daily atrocities and aggression being perpetrated on the people of Palestine by the apartheid regime of Israel also came up for discussion.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr Bakhtiyar gave an overview of Iran’s cooperation with Zimbabwe in the various fields of cooperation.

He said the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran is poised to play a more prominent role in promoting interfaith dialogue among the many faith-based organisations based in the country.

Mr Bakhtiyar also hinted on ZUCOC partnering and closely working together with Iranian religious organisations like the International Institute for Islamic Studies which is based in the holy city of Qom, after formulating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute, a process which the Cultural Counsellor promised to facilitate.

In response, Dr Pavari welcomed the inclusive approach of the Cultural Centre in interacting with all faith-based organisations in Zimbabwe.

He said his organization will play its part in the development of sound relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Dr Pavari also strongly condemned the heinous atrocities being committed by Israel on the peaceful country of Israel, especially the killing of innocent children.

ZUCOC is a fellowship of Churches and Organizations based in Harare.