Hawzah News Agency-According to the Public Relations of Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, Dr. Abouzar Ebrahimi Torkaman met Ilaria Borletti-Buitoni, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Italy yesterday evening (Tuesday, November 22). In this meeting the head of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization stated: "There is a long history for the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Italy in political, economic and especially in cultural areas and we appreciate joint cooperation for deepening the relations".

Emphasizing on coming into force the cooperation agreement between the two countries, Dr. Ebrahimi Torkaman called for the development of art programs in Tehran and Rome.

Referring to cultural heritage and library cooperation as joint cooperation between the two countries, the member of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has valuable experiences in the mentioned areas which can be used for bilateral or multilateral cooperation".

Dr. Ebrahimi Torkaman continued: "Regarding common points and appropriate measures taken in the area of translation and publication, activities in the area of contemporary literature of both countries are main issues that can be followed up in the cultural area of Iran and Italy that focus in this area will lead to excellent results".

Referring to the 10th round of religious dialogue between Islam and Christianity with the presence of religious scholars of the two countries, he added: "In today’s world where we face with violence and extremism, the interreligious dialogue can help to solve many problems and can be effective to access the truth of religion and culture".

The member of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution continued: "In this regard efforts must be made to turn attentions again to spirituality which is indispensable for culture and its presence has faded in the modern era".

In this meeting Akbar Ghowli, Iranian cultural attaché in Italy was also present, and the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Italy, emphasized on coming into force the cultural cooperation agreements and provided some explanations about performing some cultural programs and how they can come into force.

According to this report, Dr. Ebrahimi Torkaman and an Iranian religious delegation have traveled to Rome, the capital of Italy, to participate in the 10th round of religious dialogue entitled "Extremism and Violence in the Name of Religion; which Approach to Religion?" between the International Center for Interreligious Dialogue of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue as well as to participate in the first round of cultural dialogue between Iran and Europe and meet with high-ranked Italian authorities.

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