The closing ceremony of the International Festival of Bismillah, ran during the blessed month of Ramadan, featuring the prominent calligraphy and graphic works from ECO Member States and other Islamic countries, held on September 25, 2013, at ECI Headquarters. Present at the ceremony were H.E. Ahmad Masjed Jamei, the Chairman of Tehran City Council, Mr. Iftikhar Husain Arif, ECI President, Mr. Ali Moradkhani, Deputy-Minister of Culture of Iran; diplomats from ECO Member States as well as other Islamic countries and a group of prominent artists and cultural figures.
H.E. Mr. Ahmad Masjed Jamei delivered the keynote speech, in which he extended his congratulation to the ECO Cultural Institute for taking such an initiative. He pointed out that the expression "Bismillah" is the joining point of all countries, and that this sacred expression is recognized throughout the world.
Mr. Arif, the President of ECO Cultural Institute while expressing satisfaction for holding this festival said: organizing such events would not be possible without the support of ECO Member States and the cultural institutions in their respective countries. Today, we are gathered here to foster cultural and artistic ties among our nations and to mark one of the most important elements of our common cultural heritage.
Mr. Moradkhani, Deputy-Minister of Culture for Artistic Affairs stressed the importance of the festival and stated: such festivals will directly help strengthening the region's cultural and civilizational commonalities and heritage. He reiterated that the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance will continue to support ECO Cultural Institute by all means.
Later at the event, the winners were honored and the statue of "Bismillah" was presented to H.E. Ahmad Masjed Jamei, the Chairman of Tehran City Council and Former Minister of Culture for his lifetime cultural activities. Also, the two festival Collection Albums "Treasure of Bismillah" and "Treasure Epistle" containing images of the displayed artworks were unveiled in this ceremony.