Iran Strengthens Relations with Armenia: Tourism Minister Highlights New Era of Cooperation

In a significant development, Iran has strengthened its cultural ties with Armenia, as highlighted by Minister of Cultural Heritage Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri. This new chapter in Iran-Armenia relations focuses on enhancing cooperation in various cultural sectors, setting the stage for mutual growth and understanding.

During a meeting with Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan, Salehi-Amiri emphasized the importance of their collaboration based on previously established Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). He outlined several key initiatives aimed at enriching the cultural heritage of both nations:

• Operational Measures: Initiatives are underway for cooperation with the National Museum.
• Handicraft Exhibitions: Joint exhibitions will be held in Tehran and Yerevan.
• Cultural Heritage Projects: Collaboration on the registration of tangible and intangible heritage with UNESCO.
• Training Programs: Training sessions will be conducted in the handicrafts sector.

Salehi-Amiri warmly welcomed the Armenian delegation, recalling the successful interactions from previous visits. He mentioned a positive discussion with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about constructive dialogues in Armenia, describing the current trip as a pivotal moment for Iranian diplomacy.

He elaborated on the operational measures stemming from the MoUs, which include:

• A focus on joint cultural heritage initiatives.
• Registration of cultural artifacts with UNESCO planned for 2025.
• Skills training in restoration and handicrafts.

Highlighting the significance of handicrafts, Salehi-Amiri noted that out of 400 registered handicraft fields worldwide, Iran boasts 300, with over 573 individuals officially engaged in handicraft production. He also pointed out that approximately one million housewives contribute to the handicraft sector from their homes. In 2024, Iran achieved an impressive $500 million in handicraft exports.

Salehi-Amiri expressed gratitude for Armenia’s constructive collaboration, stating, “We believe that convergence and peace between religions can start from holy places.” He mentioned the restoration of numerous churches, which have been registered with UNESCO, and expressed readiness to restore the Blue Mosque of Armenia, a significant structure from the Qajar era.

Furthermore, he announced that the head of the Iranian Cultural Heritage Research Institute, a distinguished professor, is prepared to conduct joint training workshops in:

• Miniatures
• Armenian pottery
• Restoration techniques

In his discussions with the Armenian Prime Minister, Salehi-Amiri proposed launching tours for Armenian tourists in Iran, particularly focusing on significant churches and cultural sites. He also advocated for reciprocal tours for Iranian tourists to explore Armenia. The statistics from 2024 indicate that 263,000 Armenians visited Iran, while 213,000 Iranians traveled to Armenia, marking a 53% increase compared to 2023.

Salehi-Amiri remarked, “Here is the home of the Armenian people; one of their interests is traveling to Armenia, and there is space for them.” He highlighted a successful event at Persepolis, where over 100 musicians from Armenia participated, creating an unforgettable experience that was well-received in both countries.

To enhance cultural exchange, he mentioned that Iran is ready to broadcast content about Armenian attractions, including films, podcasts, and documentaries, through its media channels. In return, he expects similar portrayals of Iranian attractions in Armenian media.

Addressing Minister Andreasyan, Salehi-Amiri invited her to extend her visit by an additional day to explore Iran’s churches and ancient monuments, emphasizing the comprehensive programs and meetings planned for her.

The Deputy Tourism Minister, Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpei, reinforced Armenia’s status as a target country for Iranian tourism, aiming to attract between 400,000 and 500,000 tourists from Armenia. He noted that over 50% of this goal was achieved last year and expressed intentions to hold a roadshow in Armenia to promote tourism further.

Additionally, Alireza Izadi, Head of the Department for Intangible Cultural Heritage, mentioned the successful joint registration of the Saint Thaddeus Ritual with Armenia in 2020. He also reported that the initial application for the Tirgan or Vardavar festival has been accepted for UNESCO registration, with finalization anticipated by December next year.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both the Iranian tourism minister and the Armenian culture minister exchanged gifts of handicrafts, symbolizing the bond between the two nations and their commitment to fostering cultural ties.