The meeting aimed to review the progress of joint cooperation between the two institutions, follow up on the implementation of the signed memorandum of understanding, and plan to develop cooperation, especially in the field of attendance and participation in international book fairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kenya, including the Nairobi International Book Fair, which will be held in early October of this year.

During the meeting, James Odhiambo sincerely thanked the Cultural Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi for facilitating his trip to the Tehran International Book Fair, during which the Kenya Publishers Association signed a memorandum of understanding with its Iranian counterparts while attending the fair. He said in his speech: “This trip was a very valuable and fruitful experience, both professionally and personally.”

Odhiambo continued: “The Tehran International Book Fair was the largest and most impressive book fair I have ever attended. The large number of publishers, the large presence of book enthusiasts, the lively atmosphere of the fair, and the high volume of business interactions and scientific and cultural discussions attracted my attention. In my opinion, this large and valuable venue has provided an excellent platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the development of the publishing industry.”

Referring to his trip to Iran, he said: “I took this opportunity to visit various cultural sectors in Tehran and was very surprised by the beauty, level of development, and modern infrastructure of this Islamic city.”

Odhiambo, noting that his experience of visiting Iran was completely different from the image presented by some Western media outlets, said: "The Iranian people are hospitable and friendly, and the cities are developed, contrary to popular belief, and the society is rich in culture."

Referring to recent developments in the West Asian region, he stated: "The military attacks by the Zionist regime and the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran have not only not weakened this country, but also demonstrate Iran's position and importance in regional and international equations."

He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a powerful country that has resisted foreign pressures and bullying and has demonstrated resistance and stability by relying on its domestic capabilities and the will of its people.

While welcoming Odhiambo's positive views, The Counselor emphasized the determination of the Iran Cultural Council to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation between Kenya and Iran.

He considered the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries as a suitable framework for expanding cooperation in the field of publishing and emphasized the importance of increasing the participation of publishers from the two countries in each other's international book fairs.