Slovak Ambassador to Iran Lubomir Golian, Director of Institute for Development of Contemporary Art Mahdi Afzali, Managing Director of Niavaran Art Development Center Abbas Sajjadi, as well as a number of cultural officials and attaches from the two countries attended the Saturday evening convention in Niavaran Cultural Center. 

During the meeting, Slovakia Deputy Minister Konrad Rigo said: We are here to strengthen cultural relations between Iran and Slovakia. This is because culture is a perfect tool to cement bilateral ties in all spheres. We are delighted to see the Slovak Culture Week taking place in Tehran. We would like to express our gratitude to the Culture Ministry of Iran for helping us to hold this cultural event.

In response, Iranian Culture Minister Hosseini said: It is customary for Iranians to speak through the medium of art. Out best ambassadors are also artists. We pretty much like to see our country be known in the world for its art. This has been the case for seven millennia. We always welcome and support foreign signatories when they hold their culture weeks in Iran. We also hold our cultural weeks in other countries on a regular basis.

Slovakia Deputy Minister Konrad also said in response: We always welcome and support the Iranian artists and their works in Slovakia. In this meeting, we found and shared many commonalities between our cultural ministries. This will help us advance our future relations. This is the 25th anniversary of the resumption of our diplomatic relations. We see this as a privilege.

Culture Minister Hossieni said his ministry has devised a project titled Art City. He said cities with cultural elements will be introduced and promoted through this new project.

Deputy Minister Rigo further said: We also have a similar project that will begin as of 2019, in which a city will host and sponsor cultural activities and programs. This way we can forge greater cultural cooperation with Iranian cities. The meeting came after the two countries signed an MOU to broaden bilateral relations in culture. We hope we can implement these agreements at the earliest time possible.

Also speaking, Slovakia Ambassador Lubomir Golian said Iran is a great nation with a diverse culture. My country seeks to strengthen cultural and artistic relations with the Islamic Republic. 

The Slovakia Culture Week is underway in Tehran under the auspices of the Culture Ministry of Iran, Institute for Development of Contemporary Arts, Niavaran Art Development Center, and Islamic Promotion and Propagantion Organization.