A meeting of the ministers of culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation took place in St. Petersburg, where the expansion of cultural ties between the two countries was discussed.
The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Seyed Abbas Salehi, arrived in St. Petersburg to participate in the Iranian Cultural Week and the XII International Forum of United Cultures. There, he met with his Russian counterpart, Olga Lyubimova, as reported by the ILNA agency.
Addressing the participants, Salehi mentioned the Russian Cultural Week held in Iran last year, as well as the military aggression by the US and the Zionist regime against Iran in recent days of the event. He stated that the next 'imposed war' led to the martyrdom of Ayatollah Siyyee Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, as well as a group of compatriots, including schoolchildren from Minab and girls from Lamerd Gymnasium, in addition to the destruction of hundreds of historical sites, residential areas, and other institutions such as hospitals.
He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Russia for their solidarity and sympathy towards Iran. In particular, he noted reports of condolences from the President of Russia regarding the martyrdom of the Leader and Martyr Laridjani, as well as Moscow's diplomatic support for Tehran on international platforms, calling these instances evidence of a high level of relations between the states.
Salehi emphasized that Iranian culture and art continue to develop despite the difficulties caused by the two recent 'imposed wars.' He reported the successful holding of various Iranian festivals dedicated to the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, as well as current cultural and artistic events in different cities of the country.
He added that the upcoming Iranian Cultural Week in Russia, which will feature over 160 Iranian artists, demonstrates the desire of both nations to develop cultural ties. Stressing that Iran and Russia possess a 'rainbow' of diverse ethnic groups living in solidarity, he noted that art is an excellent arena for showcasing the Iranian and Russian ethnic mosaic. He proposed strengthening cultural ties in areas such as music, performing arts, and fashion.
For her part, the Russian Minister of Culture stated that she eagerly awaits the opening of the Iranian Cultural Week on the historic stage of the Bolshoi Theatre in the Russian capital. Olga Lyubimova also specified that within this week, the Museum of Theatrical and Musical Art will hold an exhibition of works by Iranian artists. She added that residents of large cities, such as Kazan and Astrakhan, are eagerly awaiting an introduction to Iranian culture and anticipating the upcoming cultural and artistic events.
The Russian Minister of Culture highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with Iran in the field of joint film production. Noting the creation of the 'Diamond Butterfly' award, she praised the participation of Iranian artists in the first edition of this film festival and called for the continuation of such joint projects.
Following the bilateral negotiations and the meeting of the Joint Cultural Committee of the two countries in St. Petersburg on Saturday, the Ministers of Culture of Iran and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on joint film production. During the ceremony, Salehi told journalists that this memorandum was developed and signed within the framework of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which the presidents of Iran and Russia signed in January 2025. He added that from this moment on, the process of joint cinematographic production, investment, and the rules for its implementation and screening will be regulated within the framework of this Memorandum of Understanding. The Minister noted that the signing of this document creates a significant basis for joint cinematic cooperation and may open excellent opportunities for the development of cinema in both countries.
Lyubimova also informed journalists that this agreement allows filmmakers from both countries to participate in the joint creation of works, present them on the international stage, and cooperate under more constructive and favorable conditions.
During his visit to Russia, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance visited the Saint Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts and met with its rector, Alexander Turgayev. Turgayev spoke about the university's history dating back to 1918 and its role in training many outstanding figures of Russian culture and art. He expressed the university's interest in opening a program in Persian. Turgayev described Iranian culture, art, and civilization as exceptionally rich. He shared that he discovered Iranian cinema in his childhood through the film 'Mazandaran Tiger' (directed by Samuel Hachikyan) and has a deep interest in Iranian culture and civilization. Noting that the university teaches six foreign languages, Turgayev reiterated his interest in creating a Persian-language program. Welcoming this proposal, Salehi instructed the cultural advisor of the Iranian embassy in Russia to monitor the implementation of the Persian-language program at the Saint Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts in coordination with the Russian side.
On Friday, the second day of his visit to Russia, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance spoke at the XII International Forum of United Cultures in St. Petersburg before ministers and influential figures from more than 70 countries, answering questions from journalists. The Iranian Cultural Week includes a performance by an orchestra of Iranian artists, an fine arts exhibition, as well as specialized sessions and film screenings.