Tehran – Seyed Abbas Salehi, Minister of Culture and Islamic Leader, proposed that 2026 be called “The Year of Cultural Tourism Cooperation between Iran and China.”
On the bystanders of the Asian Cultural Cooperation Forum (ACCF), he said that two ancient civilizations, with thousands of years of history, have deep roots of sustainable and strategic nature, and that Iran and China have ties to Iran and China.
The two countries have many cultural and civilized commonalities, he added.
Named 2026, he said it is an opportunity to define and implement a wide range of programs in the cultural, artistic and tourism sectors.
Salehi said that referring to the Silk Road as a symbol of historic ties between the two countries, the Chinese president’s visit to Tehran and the signing of the strategic 25-year document opened a new horizon to promote cooperation.
Continuing follow-up and specific executive programs are expected to lead to concrete achievements, particularly in the cultural and tourism sectors.
Gao Zheng recalled that 2026 coincided with the 55th anniversary of Iran-China diplomatic relations. “We are helping to promote cultural, artistic and tourism exchanges with Iran. We are ready to pursue this collaboration through joint projects and operational plans.”
During their visit, both sides emphasized the need to identify and utilize cultural commonalities between Iran and China in the fields of painting, music, customs and popular literature.
Salehi said the role of media, social networks and cultural personality in transferring commonality to the public sector is extremely important.
It has been decided that a joint committee, which is at the proxy level of the cultural ministries of both countries, will be established to design and pursue the 2026 initiative.
KD