The Italian Stand commenced to work

1396/02/13-16:10

The Guest of Honor of the 30th Tehran International Book Fair started to work today in the presence of Seyyed Abbas Salehi, the Cultural Deputy of the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
In the opening ceremony of the Italian Stand, Antimo Cesazro, the deputy of Italian Minister of Culture said, “As announced previously by the prime minister of Italy, the relationships between Iran and Italy is cultural in first place, and then come the economic and political relationships. Today, as the representative of the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Activities, and Tourism of Italy, I am happy to celebrate our presence as the first western country participating as the Guest of Honor."
He continued, "The importance of the Tehran International Book Fair is quite evident and this event indicates the richness of books and book reading in Iran and I think it is a peerless and exciting experience."  
Pointing out to the programmes of Italy in the TIBF and other Iranian cultural places including the National Library, Cesaro then said, "I appreciate the managing director of Iran's Cultural Fairs Institute, the managing director of Aftab Town, the Italian Publishers Association and Ms. Leila Araghian for the beautiful design of the Italian Stand. We are attempting to start special collaborations between the two countries to promote book reading; we trust that the cause will not end and based on that the two countries will continue mutual collaborations." 
Cesaro also added, "Book reading opens a new vista to us and holding book fairs undoubtedly helps such a function. I am sure that from now on, we will witness more of such ceremonies in both countries."
The deputy of the Italian Cultural Minister also indicated that, “I am glad to see such enthusiasm among the Iranian youth to attend the book fair. Such energy for book purchase and presence in this center is a picture of Iran that we would like to show to other countries.”  
Then in the ceremony, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, the Cultural Deputy of the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance said, “Iran and Italy are not only similar in their flags’ colors, but also they are similar in the color of their cultures.”
He emphasized that, “Located in the Mediterranean, Italy has a long history of civilization, literature, philosophy and art similar to Iran. Both countries have a long religious history as well.”
Pointing out to his meetings with Italian delegations in previous years, Salehi said, “Apart from the mentioned cases, my personal philosophical common interests with Mr. Cesaro accelerated the realization of the event and I am sure that in the upcoming ten days, we will have outstanding programmes attended by Italy.”      
The Cultural Deputy of the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance added, “In our conversations, a base is being formed as a cultural turning point for the relationships between the two countries and publishing industry will undoubtedly pave the way  in this regard. I am sure that in the 40th edition of the TIBF, the relationships between the two countries will be in a position quite different from what they are in now.”