As reported by the Public Relations Office of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, during this event, held on the 26th of Mehr, Hojjat-ul-Islam Imanipour extended a warm welcome to the Minister of Culture of the Philippines and wished him a pleasant stay in Iran. He acknowledged the challenging times faced by Muslims and the Islamic world, expressing heartfelt concern about recent events.

 

Hojjat Islam Imanipour expressed optimism regarding the situation in Gaza and hoped for a favorable resolution in support of the Palestinian people. He noted that Iran and the Philippines are approaching their 60th year of diplomatic relations, highlighting Iran's readiness to facilitate cultural events in celebration of this milestone. He emphasized that this cultural memorandum could open new avenues for cooperation, emphasizing that while the potential for collaboration is abundant, there's a need for both nations to gain more insights into each other.

 

Furthermore, he introduced the Organization of Islamic Culture and Communication as the country's ministry responsible for foreign affairs and culture, with representations in 50 countries worldwide. He detailed the primary responsibilities of cultural advisors, which include implementing cultural agreements between countries, extending from tourism and art to sports, and suggested that joint museum activities could be explored alongside independent initiatives. Cultural documents were also identified as another area of potential cooperation, involving collaboration between the national libraries of both nations.

 

Discussing the significance of cultural and religious dialogues, he noted Iran's more than 30-year commitment to this endeavor. He emphasized the need for concrete outcomes in city twinning, suggesting that such relationships should yield tangible results. In light of the current government's heightened focus on Asian governments and the shifting global order, he expressed a desire to expand Asian cooperation.

 

To kickstart cultural collaboration, he proposed the implementation of a cultural week in both Iran and the Philippines, and he further explored the idea of hosting book exhibitions to promote mutual cultural ties. He expressed hope that the determination of both nations to enhance their cultural relations would surpass previous efforts.

 

Mr. Victorino Mapa Manalo, the head of the National Commission for Culture and Arts of the Republic of the Philippines, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Iranians. He conveyed pride in being present and shared experiences from their visit to Golestan Palace, where they learned about Iran's rich history.

 

Regarding tourism cooperation between the two nations, he expressed his intent to introduce Iran to the tourism institutions in the Philippines. He also mentioned their readiness to organize a cultural week as a means of collaboration.

 

In discussing Iran's handicrafts, Victorino Mepa Manalo acknowledged the diversity of Iran's handicrafts and highlighted distinctions, noting that what is observed in Shiraz and Isfahan is unlike any other in the world.

 

In closing, he expressed his hope that a new chapter in the brotherly relations between the two countries would commence.

 

Hojatul-Islam Imanipour concluded by underscoring the significance of in-person meetings in breaking down barriers. He stressed the importance of eliminating intermediaries in conveying the true sentiments of the people, suggesting that joint documentaries could foster this understanding.

The signing of the comprehensive cultural memorandum marked the conclusion of the event. Notably, the most recent agreement related to the cultural exchange program, covering the years 1387-1390, was signed during the current week, following ongoing consultations and the support of our country's embassy in Manila.

 

This comprehensive cultural memorandum takes into account various aspects of cultural relations, including the strengthening of cultural and artistic collaboration, film cooperation, and audio-visual arts, the organization of cultural and artistic weeks, exhibitions, and festivals, the promotion of language and literature, library exchanges, cultural heritage preservation, and archaeology.