Iran's friendship associations can be the basis for expanding cultural interactions and strengthening regional cooperation

The Deputy Minister of Social Partnerships of the Ministry of Interior announced plans to hold Iran's cultural week in Turkmenistan and develop the cooperation of non-governmental organizations with neighboring countries and said: "Iran's friendship associations with different countries can be a basis for expanding cultural interactions, introducing Iran's cultural heritage and strengthening regional cooperation."

Mohammad Sadegh Karimikia, Vice President of Social Partnerships of the Ministry of Interior, in an interview with Aria Heritage reporter: Referring to the capacity of non-governmental organizations in the field of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts, he stated: One of the important capacities of the Ministry of Interior to expand international cultural interactions is Iran's friendship associations with other countries, which can play a role in introducing Iran's historical, civilizational and cultural commonalities with neighboring countries.

He added: In this regard, planning is underway to hold Iran's cultural week in Turkmenistan with the focus of the Iran-Turkmenistan Friendship Association. We are trying to make this event not only a limited and short-term program, but the cultural and social capacities of different provinces of the country are also present in it.

The Deputy Minister of Social Partnerships of the Ministry of Interior continued: In this program, active NGOs in the fields of culture, handicrafts and cultural heritage from 31 provinces of the country are trying to participate in order to introduce a diverse set of cultural and civilizational capacities of Iran in the host country.

Referring to the cultural commonalities of Iran and Turkmenistan, especially in the field of Persian literature and common celebrities, Karimikia said: After Turkmenistan, planning to develop cultural cooperation with countries such as Armenia is also on the agenda. In this direction, we will use the experience of previous cooperation, including the programs implemented in Lebanon.

Development of cultural diplomacy with the participation of popular organizations

Stating that the scope of this cooperation extends to the countries of the Caucasus, Eurasia and Arab countries, he said: Iran has a lot in common with its neighboring countries in historical, cultural, literary and social fields. Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are among the countries with which cultural cooperation can be developed.

Emphasizing the role of non-governmental organizations in this process, Karimikia added: Organizations active in the field of cultural heritage and handicrafts can have a more effective presence in the international arena in addition to domestic activities and help introduce Iranian culture and civilization.

He continued: Friendship associations can play the role of a bridge between the people of Iran and other countries. For example, the development of cooperation with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and providing the basis for mutual activity of the organizations of the two countries are among the programs that we are pursuing.

common cultural heritage; An opportunity to strengthen regional relations

Referring to the joint registrations of the cultural heritage of Iran and other countries, the Deputy Minister of Social Partnerships of the Ministry of Interior said: Having a common cultural heritage is a valuable opportunity to expand regional cooperation and this issue should not be considered only from the perspective of competition between countries.

He added: The joint registration of cultural and ritual elements such as Nowruz shows the historical and cultural extent of this heritage and long-standing ties between nations. Such capacities can be the basis for holding joint cultural programs, exhibitions, festivals and folk rituals.

Referring to Iran's position in regional cultural heritage cooperation, Karimikia said: Iran's presence in international mechanisms related to cultural heritage, including the Council of Governors of Intangible Heritage, provides a good opportunity to strengthen cooperation with other countries. This capacity should be used to increase cultural interactions and expand the participation of non-governmental organizations.

The necessity of introducing celebrities and the common heritage of Iran

Emphasizing the need to pay more attention to the cultural commonalities of Iran and neighboring countries, he said: despite the historical influence of the Persian language and literature in parts of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asian countries, the existing capacities for holding conferences, meetings and joint cultural programs have not been used sufficiently.

Karimikia continued: Many poets, intellectuals and historical figures who are known in the countries of the region are less known in parts of Iran. This problem shows that we need more targeted planning and wider participation of cultural institutions for mutual recognition of nations and introduction of common heritage.

Pointing to the capacity of provinces like Khuzestan in this field, he said: Each province of Iran has a valuable historical and cultural background, and they can provide the ground for holding joint cultural events by relying on their civilizational commonalities with the countries of the region.

NGOs; Supplement to official diplomacy

The Deputy Minister of Social Partnerships of the Ministry of Interior stated that cultural cooperation can help to strengthen relations between nations and stated: Even in situations where governments are facing differences, culture can provide a basis for dialogue, mutual recognition and adjustment of differences.

He added: Holding joint cultural events and introducing the historical heritage of nations, in addition to strengthening regional integration, can create new opportunities for social and economic cooperation.

Also, referring to the activities of international associations in the country, Karimikia said: Currently, international associations related to Iran are active with about 80 countries, and their field of activity includes issues such as social issues and human rights. Some of these organizations also have consultative positions and capacities in international organizations.

In the end, he emphasized: NGO organizations, especially groups active in the field of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts, have a valuable capacity to introduce Iran's culture and civilization in the international arena. Strengthening these organizations and providing the context for their participation in joint programs with other countries can help to expand cultural diplomacy and better introduce Iran's historical and civilizational heritage.