According to the ECO Cultural Institute, Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, the Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, met Murodjon Buriboev, the President of the ECOCI, on Tuesday, September 20. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as the Islamic Culture and Communication Organization were also present at the meeting.
Emphasizing the significant role of the Economic Cooperation Organization, and, accordingly, the ECO Cultural Institute, the Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance referred to the common historical, civilizational, and religious roots of the countries of the ECO zone and pointed out that by making use of the high capacity of the ECOCI and through strengthening the cultural impression, differences and even historical misunderstandings can be eliminated.
He further announced his all-inclusive support for the ECO Cultural Institute at all regional meetings, projects, festivals, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and in different sectors. Based on the policy of the host country to develop its regional interactions, he demanded an increase in the activities of the ECO Cultural Institute to encourage the ECO member states to completely join the ECOCI.
On the other hand, Murodjon Buriboev, the President of ECO Cultural Institute, while reminding the capacity of ECOCI as a regional cultural institute, explained the goals and vision of the institute and considered the development of the international cooperation as one of the priorities of the institute. Referring to the ECO meetings in various fields and plans to be implemented, he also mentioned Turkey's complete accession and the presence of the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan at the ECO Cultural Institute as a reason for hope and manifestation of a bright future for the institute. Meanwhile, he called for the improvement and continuation of the cooperation and support by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for the programs and activities of the ECO Cultural Institute.