Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance says developing Iran-Turkey cultural relations will lead to the expansion of political and economic ties between the two neighbors.

Seyyed Mohammed Hosseini, who is on a three-day official trip to Turkey, said the cultural relations between Tehran and Ankara will pave the way for the expansion of ties in other fields, particularly in economy and politics.

Hosseini arrived in the Turkish capital on Wednesday at the invitation of Turkish Minister of Culture Ertugrul Gunay.

The Iranian minister is expected to meet several Turkish officials to discuss issues of mutual interest. Hosseini is scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister Bakari Buzdag to review the issue of Hajj pilgrimage and boost cooperation in religious affairs.

He is also expected to visit Turkish Broadcasting Organization and talk to the related officials over increasing media relations with the country.

Also on Wednesday, Hosseini attended the opening ceremony of the Iranian cultural week.

He is to travel to the city of Konya on Friday in order to address a meeting of scholars. He will then visit the shrine of the prominent Persian poet, Jalal ad-Din Mohammad Balkhi, Mowlavi.
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News ID 181999