According to Atabe News, the agreement was signed on November 4, 2026, by Hojatoleslam Dr. Mostafa Faqih Esfandiyari, Deputy for International Affairs of Astan Quds Razavi, and Farshid Fallahollahzari, CEO of the Imam Reza International Cultural and Artistic Foundation. The agreement seeks to create synergy between the two institutions’ capacities, make mutual use of their capabilities, and provide a framework for designing and implementing joint international programs and projects.

This cooperation is intended to promote Razavi culture internationally, inspired by the life and teachings of Imam Reza (AS), strengthen cultural and spiritual ties with Astan Quds Razavi, and enhance the role of both institutions at national and international levels.

Under the agreement, the two parties will cooperate in areas including promoting the culture of pilgrimage and facilitating international visits, identifying and honoring creators of outstanding works related to Imam Reza (AS) outside Iran, producing, translating and distributing cultural and artistic content using modern technologies, and developing and presenting works related to Razavi culture and teachings.

Commitments of Astan Quds Razavi’s International Affairs Deputy

Under the agreement, the International Affairs Deputy of Astan Quds Razavi will, within the scope of its mission and capabilities, cooperate in facilitating pilgrimage and establishing and strengthening relations with academic, research, cultural, Quranic, endowment and charitable institutions around the world, particularly in Islamic countries.

Other areas of cooperation will include inviting and hosting international scholars, intellectuals and academic and cultural figures; exchanging information and experience in academic, research, cultural and pilgrimage-related fields; strengthening the cultural and spiritual connections of international audiences with Astan Quds Razavi; and participating in the development and implementation of international academic and research dialogue initiatives involving different religions and denominations.

Identifying international opportunities, holding joint events, contributing to the production and provision of content for the Imam Reza (AS) Comprehensive International Platform, and supporting cultural and artistic programs abroad are also among the areas outlined in the agreement.

Commitments of the Imam Reza International Cultural and Artistic Foundation

Under the agreement, the Imam Reza International Cultural and Artistic Foundation will make its specialized capabilities and experience in producing and promoting cultural and artistic works related to Razavi culture available for joint initiatives.

The foundation’s areas of participation will include identifying and honoring creators of outstanding Razavi works abroad; producing, enhancing, translating and distributing content tailored to the needs of international audiences; cooperating in selecting host countries for the international Imam Reza festivals; and preparing content required for the Imam Reza (AS) Comprehensive International Platform.

Other areas of cooperation will include designing and implementing cultural and artistic programs with an international outlook, holding academic and cultural meetings and forums on Imam Reza (AS) and Razavi culture—particularly during the Ten Days of Dignity and the final ten days of the month of Safar—and drawing on international capacities to introduce Razavi works and teachings more widely.

Joint Committee to Oversee and Implement the Agreement

For the implementation of the agreement, the two parties have agreed to establish a joint committee comprising their authorized representatives for a period of two years. The committee will hold specialized meetings and coordinate the planning, monitoring and evaluation of joint activities.

According to the agreement, joint plans and projects will be implemented through separate contracts. Each contract will specify the parties’ respective shares and responsibilities, arrangements for financing costs, and the terms for using the project outcomes. The joint committee will also be required to submit a progress and performance report to both institutions every six months.

The agreement will remain valid for five years and is based on the principles of mutual benefit and respect for the independence of both institutions. Its signing does not, in itself, create any financial obligation for either party; any financial costs or commitments will require written consent and a separate contract.

The signing of this agreement marks a step toward combining the specialized and international capacities of the two institutions to advance Razavi cultural diplomacy, introduce the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) to the world, and deepen the spiritual connection of Imam Reza’s (AS) devotees and admirers across the globe.