The Chinese Ambassador to Iran, Zong Pei Wu, President of Shanghai Art Collection Museum, Hu Muqing, and various cultural and artistic figures attended the inauguration ceremony of this Iran-China joint endeavor.
Speaking in the event, Amir Khorakian, the Director of the Malek National Museum and Library, emphasized the historical significance of the cultural exchange between the two ancient civilizations of Iran and China.
Lauding the exhibition as a new beginning for Iran-China relations, Khorakian noted, "China has always been seen as the farthest point from Iran, yet our exchanges date back thousands of years, symbolized by Prophet Muhammad's encouragement to seek knowledge even as far as China".
Hu Muqing remarked on the importance of international exchanges, highlighting Shanghai Museum's leading role in promoting Silk Road collaborations. “The exhibition, facilitated by the Chinese Embassy in Iran, aims to showcase Chinese art to Iranian enthusiasts and deepen mutual understanding”.
For his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Iran praised the exhibition as a significant achievement in strengthening bilateral ties, emphasizing that the cultural artifacts on display illustrate the shared cultural heritage of both nations and contribute to global civilization.
“China and Iran, as two great civilizations of the ancient world, have had relations via the Silk Road, so much so that a Chinese envoy came to visit Iran some two thousand years ago. Similarly, the renowned Iranian poet, Sa’di, had a trip to China. These interactions have doubtlessly strengthened our ties”, stressed Zong Pei Wu.
Elsewhere in the ceremony, the Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, Hassan Fartusi, emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, citing UNESCO's 2017 recognition of Jundishapur University, in southwestern Iran, as one of the world's oldest universities. “The international presence of scholars at this university underscores the ancient roots of cultural exchanges, particularly among Silk Road countries”.
The exhibition, running until November 10, is held at the Malek National Museum and Library, Tehran.