Austrian envoy to Iran vows boosting cultural ties

During this meeting Austrian envoy to Iran met with head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization and made his comments about Iran rich culture and its tourism attractions, AVA Diplomatic reports.“Although Austria has an ancient civilization, it does not match the area of Iran,” said Austrian Ambassador to Iran, Friedrich Stift “I have visited Iran’s cultural and historical sites 17 years ago,”.

He expressed his happiness over his presence in Iran and pointed to his visits of many museums in the past 11 weeks that he had been living in Iran as ambassador.

“During Austrian foreign minister deputy travel to Iran, we also traveled to Isfahan and visited the tourism attractions of this city,” The ambassador mentioned to Iran and Austria close and cordial relations.

“I am happy that I am in this ancient country as an ambassador of European nation,” he added “Austria has a cultural institute in Iran, which comprises a choir group, theater group and German-language trainees. I ask you to back Austrian artists in Iran.”

Stift announced that an Austrian cultural institute sought to hold a painting exhibition in Iran, but it couldn’t to insure the magnificent Austrian artworks due to Western sanctions.

Friedrich Stift expressed Austria eagerness to resume direct Tehran-Vienna flight and said that even during submitting his credentials to Iran president this issue was considered, having replied to head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Mohammad Ali Najafi question about direct Tehran-Vienna flight.

“The Austrian people are keen to visit Iran. According to the recent achievements of Iran at the global levels, the number of Austrian tourists will rise significantly,” he said.

Mohammad Ali Najafi for his part hoped bilateral ties would expand especially in the cultural sector through coming years. “Both nations should plan to enhance cooperation in archeology excavation and research, as well as tourism,” he added.

He called for holding exhibitions related to handicrafts and traditional arts as areas of mutual cooperation. Najafi said Iranian carpets had many customers in Austria and Iran had numerous handicrafts that could be used by Austrians.

“I ask you to resume courses on the Persian language in Austria,” Najafi called Vienna as one of the cultural hubs of Europe.

“I will do everything to promote cultural ties between Iran and Austria,” he concluded.