FM: Iran-Russia cultural exchanges help boost all-out ties

He made the remark in a message to a forum on commemoration of 515 years of historical relations between Iran and Russia.

Zarif called Iran-Russia forum an opportunity to enhance cultural diplomacy and said Iran and Russia are two countries with an old history.

Manifestations of Iran and Russia rich civilizations and their famous characters including Hafez, Saadi, Ferdowsi, Tolstoi, Chekhov, Pushkin and several other characters are sources of pride for the world literature, the official added.

He noted that there are few countries that despite all ups and downs like Iran and Russia, enjoy such a long history of relations.

The lesson we should learn from this long history is that the two neighbors should promote the level of their cooperation in various fields, Zarif added.

He called for horizontal and vertical development of relations and said improvement of ties benefits both countries and is an important step in establishment of peace, stability and development in regions like Central Asia and the Middle East.

Zarif voiced hope that Iran and Russia friendly relations which has enjoyed significant growth in recent years develops in all fields.

Continued cultural relations can lead to development of relations in political and trade areas, the official added.

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