The Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Astrakhan, Mehdi Akuchekian, participated in a meeting with students of the Astrakhan V.N. Tatishchev State University, students of the Astrakhan Linguistic Gymnasium studying Farsi, as well as with Iranian students studying at the Astrakhan State Medical University. The event, which took place during the celebration of Novruz, was attended by the Minister of External Relations of the Astrakhan region, Vladimir Golovkov.
"Representatives of all Caspian littoral states study at our university, and these days we celebrate Novruz with special warmth – a wonderful holiday of awakening, renewal and new hopes," said Angelina Fadina, Vice–Rector for International Affairs at V.N. Tatishchev ASU in her welcoming speech. – I wish our friends good health, purity of thoughts and realization of plans and desires!"
Vladimir Golovkov noted that the Novruz holiday is included by UNESCO in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind. By the decision of the UN, it was declared the International Day of Novruz.
"I express my gratitude to our Iranian friends, partners and personally to the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Akuchekian, for supporting projects that have always united and will continue to unite us," he stressed.
Mehdi Akuchekian considers Novruz, which is celebrated by the Iranian and Turkic peoples, a symbol of the beginning of a new life. This holiday is celebrated amicably in every family. It allows Russians to get to know the traditions of the Iranian people better.
The Iranian diplomat noted that a lot has been done recently in terms of developing humanitarian cooperation with the Astrakhan region. In particular, the presentation of the documentary "The Sea of Goodness" and the photo exhibition "Gilan – the land of Friendship and ancient civilization", the Days of Iranian Cinema were successfully held in Astrakhan. Diplomas of two Astrakhan universities – V.N. Tatishchev ASU and ASTU – have been confirmed by the Ministry of Science and Education of Iran.
Thanking the Ministry of External Relations of the Astrakhan Region and the leadership of V.N. Tatishchev ASU for cooperation, he expressed confidence that the current year will also be fruitful and meaningful events aimed at strengthening good-neighborly relations between Iran and the Astrakhan region will be held in our region.
The Consul General of Iran presented certificates, diplomas and prizes to students of V.N. Tatishchev ASU and students of the Astrakhan Linguistic Gymnasium – winners of the Olympiad in Persian language and literature.
The students, together with Professor Mahboud Fazeli of the Al-Zahra University of Tehran, who works as a teacher of Persian at V.N. Tatishchev ASU, as well as students of the Astrakhan State Medical University and students of the Astrakhan Linguistic Gymnasium, showed the meeting participants a big concert, congratulating Iranian friends on Novruz. They read poems and performed songs in Persian to the accompaniment of national instruments, and also showed a production of an excerpt from the poem "Shahnameh" by the Persian poet Firdousi in the original language.
Photo: media center of V.N. Tatishchev ASU