Iran Press/ Iran News: Iraq has the most cultural and religious affinities with Iran among the Arab countries in the West Asian region.
Mohammad Mehdi Ismaili, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, met with Iraqi Minister of Culture and Tourism Hassan Nazem on Sunday.
Referring to the cultural and civilizational similarities between the two nations of Iran and Iraq, he stated that the two countries are determined to use all their capacities in the field of developing cultural, artistic and religious relations and interactions.
He added that according to the memorandum signed by the two sides, it was decided to provide new facilities in the field of pilgrimage by the Iraqi side for the presence of the Iranian people in the Arbaeen procession, as well as the Tasua and Ashura ceremonies in Iraq.
The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance of the Islamic Republic of Iran also referred to the agreement reached between the two countries in the field of cinema cooperation and said: "It was decided to hold various cinematic, artistic and theatrical programs in the form of cultural weeks in the two countries."
The Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities also appreciated Iran for its good hospitality during the meeting and said that in the current situation, the two sides are trying to take steps forward to develop cultural, artistic and religious relations.
Hassan Nazem pointed to his presence in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad in recent days, adding that talks and negotiations with the Iranian side promise to work together and develop cultural and artistic relations.
He also said: "It is agreed that cultural and artistic weeks will be held in the two countries and also Iranian Film Week will be held in Baghdad soon."
Hassan Nezam arrived in Tehran last Thursday to meet with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 219
