KUALA LUMPUR (Strait Times) -- Cross-cultural initiatives promote interaction and connects people, said Iranian ambassador Ali Asghar Muhammadi, a firm believer of this practice, especially with Malaysia which shares similar Islamic culture with them.
“It tells us that cross-cultural initiatives like this, not only allows us to interact with others about our culture but more importantly it makes us realize how we are all connected to one another.
“In fact, we share the same Islamic values and Asian traditions which uphold the respect for the family and society.
“Cultural discourse is all about making the right perceptions about others through better understanding and respecting others,” he said at the launch of the ‘Eid in Harmony’ festival at Pavilion KL in Jalan Bukit Bintang.
Guests were treated to a vibrant Malaysian Islamic fashion show by Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah and given an exclusive tour of the ‘Eid in Harmony’ marketplace.
Muhammadi said he believed that an active and meaningful cultural diplomacy was pertinent by utilizing the exchange of ideas, values and traditions, performing arts, live music, film screening, handicraft, food and tourism.
“We will be able to know each other better and entertain the beauty and diversity of other cultures.
“I am very pleased and grateful that our two governments and private entities are supporting the enhancement of our cultural programs and intellectual engagements,” he said.
Muhammadi added that the holy month of Ramadan offered them to celebrate the real spirit of togetherness between the Iranian community here and Malaysians.
Reminiscing, he recalled how the Covid-19 pandemic had brought difficult times to the people all around the globe, over the past two years.
“However, thanks to the new normalcy, we are now able to once again celebrate Ramadan together in this beautiful venue in a unique cross-cultural festival between Iran and Malaysia.
“The Iranian community living in Malaysia comprising elites in the fields of science and academia, art, entrepreneurship and business have always been able and willing to create valuable opportunities to stimulate various key sectors in Malaysia with their initiatives and motivations.
“Like many others, they have managed to overcome the pandemic and we are lucky enough to see the symmetry of this event and the arrival of the Iranian New Year with the reopening of the borders in Malaysia,” he said.
Muhammadi said the launch of the festival was a small part of a great cultural interaction between two nations, which coincided with the arrival of the Persian New Year ‘Nowruz’ on March 21 to welcome spring - signifying better days ahead.
“Here in Malaysia, due to its ever-green season, Nowruz may probably not be so tangible to many.
“However, it does not undermine the fact that the Persian culture and literature has a deep influence in Malaysia,” he said.
“I am certain that this collaboration with the Iranian embassy will present a very unique Hari Raya celebration for both Malaysians, Iranians and tourists alike, as we discover more about each other’s cultures,” Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Saraya Arbi said.
“Pre-pandemic, Iran was one of the top-performing markets for Malaysia, and we welcomed encouraging numbers of Iranian tourists, especially during the Persian New Year holiday.
“We hope to continue this trend now that our borders have re-opened, to re-establish the return of Iranian tourists, with the potential for stronger growth,” Saraya said.
‘Eid in Harmony’ is an international, cross-cultural showcase that celebrates the heritage, culture, and traditions of both Malaysia and Iran.
Following the celebration of the Persian New Year from April 2-7, the festival offers authentic Iranian products and interactive activities at Pavilion KL until May 16.
Apart from Hari Raya gifts and souvenirs, visitors can enjoy musical performances.
They can also witness a ‘live’ Persian carpet weaving demonstration and the ‘Meenakari’ copper and ceramic enameling handicraft that originated from Safavid, Iran.