Iran, Kuwait sign cultural cooperation agreements

Former Iranian President Hashami Rafsanjani met on Monday night in Tehran with Kuwaiti Minister of Information Youssef al-Sammit, currently visiting Iran. Talks dealt with bilateral relations, developments in the region and issues of mutual concern.

Rafsanjani stressed Iran's interest in strengthening relations with neighboring countries, especially the Arab Gulf states. He added that "current conditions and various developments in the region require further regional cooperation"

For his part, the Kuwaiti information minister stressed his country's determination and strong will to foster ties of friendship with Iran and to maintain regional cooperation, due to Iran's key position in the region.

Al-Sammit praised the strategic role played by Iran in its capacity as President of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, its positions toward events in the region and its stability. Al-Sammit described relations between Kuwait and Iran as good. "Due to the special priority Kuwait gives to Iran, the Kuwaiti crown prince will visit Iran in the near future," he added.

The Kuwaiti information minister signed with his Iranian counterpart, Atallah Muhajirani, an agreement on cultural and educational cooperation that will cover areas of tourism, information and artistic cooperation. The agreement also calls for the exchange of books, printings and films and the organization of seminars and scientific research as well as cooperation between the two countries' television and radio stations and news agencies and to open offices for them in the two countries' capitals.