News- Middle East: Iran's culture minister says the country seeks to broaden cultural and artistic cooperation with Russia, especially in response to Western efforts to portray an unfavorable image of the two nations.

Seyyed Abbas Salehi, speaking in Tehran on Tuesday, said a joint media committee has been formed by the two countries that should help strengthen bilateral cooperation.

"Both Iran and Russia are under media attack. Western outlets are working hard to portray us both in a negative light," he told his Russian counterpart, Olga Lyubimova, at a luncheon.

Referring to the Russian Cultural Week underway in Tehran, Salehi said he hopes it will be a "great success".

"There are significant opportunities in our cultural relations. We have made good progress in some areas, and in others, we can pursue far deeper cooperation.”

He went on to emphasize that “Iran–Russia cultural ties are deep, continuous, and historical, and we expect them to widen further. As neighbors, our countries share a long heritage, but in Iran, the most vivid image of Russia is one of literature, culture, and the arts."

Salehi noted that culture and art form a lasting bridge between the two countries, one upon which they can expand political and economic cooperation as part of their newly signed 25-year cooperation agreement.

"One of the key outcomes of Russia’s Cultural Week in Iran should be figuring out how to strengthen this bridge. Only a small fraction of the rich possibilities for cultural and artistic exchange have been realized so far," Salehi said.

Lyubimova, for his part, highlighted the many areas for joint artistic and cultural projects.

She added, “We are very pleased that our BRICS-related activities have increased. This is truly wonderful.”

"The geographic positions and capabilities of our two countries complement each other. Joint productions by Iranian and Russian directors and producers will benefit both economies," she added.

She noted that while Russia’s Cultural Week unfolds in Iran, Iranian works are being shown in Russia, and that this year alone, several theatrical productions inspired by Molana Jalaledin Balkhi are onstage there.

Lyubimova arrived in Tehran on Tuesday along with several senior Russian cultural officials to attend Russia’s Cultural Week and to hold bilateral meetings with her Iranian counterparts.

Russia Cultural Week opens in Tehran on Tuesday with the participation of over 110 leading Russian artists, from musicians and filmmakers to visual artists.

This cultural exchange is part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by Iran and Russia in January 2025, which underscores the expansion of cultural and artistic cooperation.

Source: Press TV