BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (Dispatches)— Iran and Kyrgyzstan have signed a new cultural cooperation agreement aimed at expanding collaboration in film, the arts and cultural heritage, on the sidelines of the 23rd Meeting of Culture Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyed Abbas Salehi and Kyrgyz Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy Mirbek Mambetaliev, according to Iran’s Ministry of Culture.
The agreement outlines a broad framework for cultural cooperation between the two countries through 2029, including reciprocal Iranian and Kyrgyz cultural weeks, expanded collaboration in the film sector, and exchanges of expertise on the documentation, preservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage.
The deal also calls for greater information sharing on the registration of historical sites and initiatives promoting the two countries’ shared cultural traditions.
Salehi traveled to Bishkek on Thursday to attend the annual SCO culture ministers’ meeting, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Artistic Affairs Mehdi Shafiei. 
During the visit, the Iranian minister held talks with senior Kyrgyz cultural officials, including representatives of the National History Museum and the National Library of Kyrgyzstan, as well as leaders of the country’s Orthodox Christian community. He also toured the Ata-Beyit National Memorial Complex.
In addition to bilateral meetings with fellow culture ministers, Salehi is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the SCO ministers’ summit, the awards ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization International Film Festival, and an official reception hosted by Kyrgyzstan’s culture minister.
The 23rd Meeting of Culture Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is taking place in Kyrgyzstan from July 16–20, bringing together member states to discuss regional cooperation in culture, the arts and creative industries.