CROATIA AND IRAN SIGN CULTURAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT

TEHRAN, Oct 25 (Hina) - Croatian Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic on Sunday signed an agreement on cultural, education and scientific cooperation between Croatia and Iran. The agreement, the first of its kind between the two countries, was signed in Tehran by Biskupic and the Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Ayatollah Mohajerani. The agreement creates a framework for a high-quality cooperation in the areas of culture, education and science, and it will facilitate the establishment of good economic, political and other relations between the two countries, Pavletic said. Croatia believes that the agreement is of special importance for the protection and restoration of cultural monuments, he added. Some concrete forms of cooperation have already been agreed on, he said mentioning the participation of Iranian artists in Dubrovnik and at the Zagreb Animated Film Festival. Croatian artists are soon to stage an exhibition of modern graphics in Tehran, he announced. The Iranian Culture Minister Mohajerani expressed satisfaction with the document adding that Iran and Croatia shared the same cultural and historical interests. The good relations between the two countries date back to Iran's recognition of Croatia's independence more than six years ago, he added. Croatia's Biskupic also held talks with the first State Vice President Hassan Habibi and Parliament (Majlis) President Hassan Rouhani. Biskupic will also visit the Iranian towns of Shiraz and Isfahan. (hina) rml