Iran’s Culture Minister Urges Enhanced Academic and Cultural Collaboration with Russia

The recent visit of Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, to St. Petersburg has sparked discussions on the significance of cultural ties in fostering a multipolar world. This relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, and other like-minded nations is seen as a crucial foundation for a more balanced global society.

During his visit, which took place on September 12, Salehi attended the 11th International Forum of United Cultures, following an invitation from his Russian counterpart. His agenda included engaging with Russian cultural figures and exploring leading artistic and academic institutions, as reported by ILNA.

St. Petersburg State University, a historic institution established 301 years ago, was one of the highlights of Salehi’s itinerary. Here, he participated in discussions with the university’s executive board aimed at enhancing academic and cultural cooperation between Iran and Russia. Notably, he delivered a compelling lecture titled “Culture and Human Interaction in a Multipolar Society.”

Salehi expressed admiration for St. Petersburg, calling it a “global city of knowledge and culture.” He emphasized that true development transcends mere economic and political dimensions, focusing instead on the meaning and quality of life that humanity aspires to achieve. He stated, “Today, development is not just about economics and politics, but about meaning—about the kind of valuable life and stable society humanity seeks to build.”

His remarks underscored the importance of measuring progress not just by economic indicators but also by factors such as freedom, dignity, and overall human flourishing. He cautioned that “development without justice leads to oppression,” using the situations in Gaza and Palestine as poignant examples. Salehi stressed that no individual or nation should be sacrificed for another’s benefit.

In discussing bilateral relations, Salehi highlighted the importance of educating younger generations in both nations about each other’s literary and artistic heritages. He asserted that a multipolar world must embrace cultural diversity alongside political and military aspects. He noted, “The foundation of a multipolar world is cultural plurality. Iran and Russia, with their millennia of civilization, must understand each other’s values and achievements.”

Salehi reflected on the historical connections between Iran and Russia, which include manuscript exchanges and the influence of Persian poetry on Russian literature. He shared that Iranian audiences have a longstanding appreciation for Russian classics, mentioning authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, as well as composers like Tchaikovsky. He remarked, “This exchange has always been two-way, shaping not only literature but also theater, cinema, music, and the visual arts in both countries.”

Looking to the future, Salehi advocated for expanded university collaborations, proposing the establishment of new chairs in Persian literature at Russian universities and Russian language programs in Iran. He emphasized the need for joint studies in anthropology and the arts, as well as direct literary translations between Persian and Russian. He encouraged efforts to translate contemporary works alongside classical literature.

Salehi also proposed the organization of cultural festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, and music performances to foster closer connections between the peoples of Iran and Russia. He highlighted the potential of cultural tourism and digital collaboration in preserving and sharing heritage. He noted, “Today, Iranian and Russian bloggers and online creators can present more authentic images of our countries than international media outlets.”

During his visit, Salehi received a catalog of Persian manuscripts from St. Petersburg State University, underscoring Russia’s rich tradition of Iranology. He acknowledged that while some schools of Orientalism have been tied to colonial agendas, Iranology in Russia has often sought genuine understanding and dialogue. He noted that Russian scholars have produced over 10,000 works on Iran in the past three centuries, establishing a strong foundation for long-term academic cooperation.

Concluding his address, Salehi asserted that cultural ties are more profound and resilient than mere political or economic connections. He stated, “When relations are rooted in culture and in the hearts of people, economic and political ties become stronger and more sustainable. Iran and Russia share such a bond—one that must be nurtured so that future generations can enjoy the shade of a strong tree of friendship and solidarity.”

As the Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Salehi’s visit reinforces the importance of cultural diplomacy in shaping the future of international relations. By fostering understanding and collaboration through cultural exchanges, Iran and Russia can contribute to a more harmonious and multipolar world.

Photo: The Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi (L) speaks at the St. Petersburg State University on September 12, 2025.