Foreign Minister Abbas Arakich says that in the Persian New Year, Knowles is a symbol of the cultural ties and fraternity among countries celebrating ancient rituals.
Arakchi was speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Knowles Festival, held on Friday evening at the iconic Azadi Square in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Ministers of Culture and Heritage and groups of foreign ambassadors and people were also present.
“In today’s challenging world, the need for dialogue, understanding and cooperation is more sensed than ever before. At a ceremony held a week before Persian New Year’s arrival, Arakich said:
Below is the full text of the diplomat’s speech, shared on the official telegram page of a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the name of God, the most compassionate and most merciful
Honorable ambassador,
Prominent director of the office of international organizations;
Ladies and gentlemen,
Being with you today is a great honor for me. It is a representative of the country that celebrates Norouz as a shared cultural heritage. Norooz goes beyond national celebrations. It is a symbol of cultural bonds, a fraternity between nations, and a respect for nature and the times. This ancient ritual has been celebrated for centuries in geography that spreads from South Asia to the Balkans and from Central Asia to the aucuses, inspired by hope, renewal and integration. This celebration reminds us of the ancient wisdom that emerges from the centre of history, and the precursors of tranquility, transformation and peaceful coexistence.
In Iran, Nowruz is more than just a calendar event. It is certainly an opportunity to think about the past, presenting hope for a better future, and Ping Hope. This celebration brings people together, rejuvenates good traditions and strengthens the values of our people’s hearts such as compassion, empathy, and generosity.
A well-known colleague,
In today’s challenging world, the need for dialogue, understanding and cooperation is more sensed than ever before. The Nowruz ritual itself conveys a message of friendship and interaction. This celebration shows that regardless of geographical boundaries or political differences, nations can gather around common human values and contribute to building the world for sustainable peace and friendship. The Islamic Republic of Iran as one of the birthplaces of this ancient tradition consistently emphasizes the importance of dialogue and cultural cooperation between nations celebrating nowruz. Therefore, we believe this common heritage can provide a basis for expanding regional and international cooperation in cultural, economic and social fields.
In conclusion, I would like to make this auspicious celebration shine for all my friend nations. We hope that Nowruz this year will bring peace, happiness, prosperity to all, and lead us into a world filled with hope, unity and progress.
I would also like to thank my dear colleague, Dr. Salehi, Minister of Cultural Honorary, Dr. Sahehi Amiri, Minister of Honorary, of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, and Dr. Ayubi, the secretion of the National Committee to celebrate the Knowles to organize this precious and glorious ceremony.
May we have a victorious new year
I hope there will be an opportunity like spring.
MNA/