On Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei made these remarks following the International Cinematic Cooperation Conference held in Shiraz, which saw participation from foreign delegates and Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Saleh Shariati.

Baqaei underscored the significance of cultural diplomacy, noting that the conference focused on enhancing collaborative cinematic projects.

He said that Iran is already engaged in various joint film projects with several countries represented at the festival, facilitating constructive dialogues to leverage existing capacities.

Highlighting cultural commonalities with countries in Central Asia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, Baqaei expressed optimism about the potential for producing joint works, particularly in historical and cultural domains. He cited a collaborative project centered on a prominent historical figure as a promising model for future partnerships.

Shiraz, recognized as a key civilizational center, was chosen strategically to host the international segment of the Fajr Film Festival. Baqaei noted that the city's rich heritage, exemplified by figures like Saadi and significant artifacts from the Achaemenid and Sasanian eras, positions it uniquely for showcasing Iran's cultural legacy to the global audience.

The conference brought together representatives from 23 countries, aiming to foster deeper filmmaking collaborations.