Senegalese diplomat urges more Iran ties through book publishing industry

1394/02/22-18:09

Senegalese Ambassador to Tehran, Baba Karba says in light of his country’s significant cultural position in western Africa, the two nations of Iran and Senegal would rather expand their relations via cultural exchanges, especially the book publishing industry.

The senior diplomat made the remarks in a panel discussion on Iran’s cultural relations with African states that was held on Monday at the 28^th Tehran International Bok Fair (TIBF).

The panel discussion was also joined by the Comoros Ambassador to Tehran, Ahmad Abdullah Ahmed Moitane and Head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s 3rd dept in public diplomacy, Moretza Rahimi.

The Senegalese diplomat who has lately submitted his credentials to the Iranian authorities said the two nations enjoy ample cultural commonalities even though located at a long distance from one another.

The senior diplomat noted that a first elected Senegalese president was an author, adding the country is considered as significant both for its cultural stand and Islamic identity.

“Senegalese authors and religious personalities have strived much to secure the independence of Africa,” the ambassador said, adding there are publications on Iran-Senegal mutual relations that help reveal the massive extent of common cultural bonds between the two nations.

As for the TIBF event, the ambassador acknowledged that he was surprised at the existing strong bond between the Iranian nation and the world of books.

The senior diplomat acknowledged that both nations are almost in dark about the content of books that are published by the other side’s publishing industry, adding he would pursue as a top agenda policy to enhance the levels of cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Next, the Comoros ambassador touched on the historical bonds between the two nations of Iran and Comoros, saying there are ports in the African country that are named after the Iranian scenic city of Shiraz.

Moitane also talked about five Iranian NGOs that are engaged in cultural projects in Comoros.

For his part, the Iranian diplomat said there are untapped grounds at hand that could be used to enhance the levels of cultural exchanges between Iran and the two African nations.

Rahimi suggested the two sides use their embassies as venue for cultural schemes.

The senior diplomat also noted the designation of the upcoming May 25 as global Day of Africa and offered the two sides form joint committees for marking the day in the Islamic Republic.

The 28^th Tehran International Book Fair started work in Tehran on May 6 under the motto of ‘reading as talking to the world.’ It runs until May 16.