Tehran and Moscow agree to stage Iranian Cultural Week in Russia in 2026

At a meeting in St Petersburg this week, Iran and Russia agreed to stage an Iranian Cultural Week in Russia in 2026, building on their deepening partnership in the arts and cultural exchange. This is reported by IRNA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The proposal was tabled during talks between Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, and his Russian counterpart, Olga Lyubimova, who welcomed the initiative following the success of Russian Cultural Week in Iran earlier this year.

Salehi is visiting St Petersburg at Lyubimova’s invitation to attend the XI International United Cultures Forum and to expand dialogue on cultural cooperation. His itinerary includes visits to the Hermitage Museum’s Iranian collection, the Russian State Library and manuscript centres.

The Iranian minister noted that the upcoming cultural week forms part of the Comprehensive Strategic Treaty signed by the two nations, which includes a roadmap for collaboration in cinema, literature, book fairs and other cultural fields.

Both ministers linked the initiative to broader political ties, citing the recent meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

The XI St Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, attended by ministers and representatives from over 40 countries, is set to conclude on Friday with a session addressed by President Putin.

Photo: IRNA