TEHRAN -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Persian New Year, Nowruz, is a symbol of cultural bonds and fraternity among countries celebrating the ancient ritual.
Araghchi addressed the opening of the International Nowruz Festival, held at the iconic Azadi Square. Ministers of culture and cultural heritage along with foreign ambassadors and groups of people were in attendance as well.
“In the present challenging world, the need for dialogue, understanding and cooperation is sensed more than before. The Nowruz ritual per se carries the message of friendship and interaction,” said Araghchi.
The following is the full text of the top diplomat’s speech, which was shared on the official Telegram page of the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson. 
In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Honorable  Ambassadors ,
Distinguished Heads of Offices of International Organizations ,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor for me today to be with you--the representatives of the nations who celebrate Nowuz as their shared cultural heritage. Nowruz goes beyond a national celebration; it is a symbol of cultural bonds, fraternity among nations, and respect to the nature and the time. Nowruz—this ancient ritual—has been celebrated for centuries in a wide-spreading geography from South Asia to the Balkans and from Central Asia to the Caucuses as inspiring for hope, renewal and consolidation. This celebration reminds us of an age-old wisdom arising from the heart of history, and harbinger of tranquility, transformation and peaceful co-existence.
In Iran, Nowruz is not just a calendar event. It is indeed an opportunity to think about the past, review present and pin hope on a better future. This celebration gathers people together, rejuvenates good traditions and strengthens values such as compassion, empathy and generosity at the hearts of our people.
Distinguished colleagues,
In the present challenging world, the need for dialogue, understanding and cooperation is sensed more than before. The Nowruz ritual per se carries the message of friendship and interaction. This celebration illustrates that nations, irrespective of geographical borders and political differences, can get together around common human values and contribute to building a world for sustainable peace and friendship. The Islamic Republic of Iran as one of the birthplaces of this ancient tradition has consistently emphasized the significance of dialogue and cultural cooperation among the Nowruz-celebrating states. Therefore, we believe that this common heritage can provide a ground for expanding regional and international cooperation in cultural, economic and social spheres.
In conclusion, I’d like to felicitate this auspicious festive to all the friend nations. I hope this year’s Nowruz would carry peace, happiness and prosperity for all and guide us towards a world full of hope, unity and progress.
May you have a victorious New Year
May you have spring-like occasions.