Tajikistan Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Nizomuddin Zohedi, has reportedly described circumstances in Iran as appropriate for expansion of cultural interactions with neighboring countries, particularly with Tajikistan.

Ambassador Zohedi made the remark in an interview with IRNA on a visit to the 33rd Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) on May 17, expressing hope that future cultural cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan will develop more than ever.

Iran-Tajikistan cultural relationship stands at a very good level, which can enhance other areas of ties, Mr. Zohedi said, adding, “We enjoy abundant commonalities between the two nations in order to have achievements in this field, and these commonalities are in fact a very proper ground for enhancing cultural relationship between Iran and Tajikistan.”

According to him, a Tajik delegation of 25 representatives of cultural bodies of Tajikistan took part in the Tehran book fair, which could help strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Expressing hope for continuation of these sorts of collaborations, he noted that a Tajik cultural delegation, including representatives of two prominent theaters, visited Tehran a month ago, who were praised by cultural specialists in Iran.

The current atmosphere in the Islamic Republic of Iran is very appropriate for expansion of culture and development of cultural exchanges with neighboring states, Tajik diplomat said, arguing that several publishers from many countries around the globe are participating in the Tehran book fair.

The Tajik delegation has brought numerous books to showcase at the exhibition and the Tajikistan Embassy in Tehran has a pavilion to promote cultural exchanges, he mentioned.

In these days Iran’s contemporary literature is being welcomed in Tajikistan and Tajik literature is being embraced by Iranians; therefore, Tajiks have published a poetry book of poems from contemporary Iranian, Afghan, and Tajik poets, Zahedi stated.

“Nima Youshij, Sohrab Sepehri, and Nader Naderpour are the most popular Iranian poets in Tajikistan but  Tajik literature is less known in Iran unfortunately,” Tajik ambassador was cited as saying by IRNA.

The 33rd edition of Tehran international book fair is being held from May 11 to May 21 at Imam Khomeini Musalla.  The cultural event has turned into a landmark, momentous book fair in Middle East and Asia after 32 editions in a row.  Millions of visitors inspect the fair every year, including thousands of university students, scholars and their families. The event currently serves as the most significant cultural event in Iran.