Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has announced its commitment to strengthening cultural ties with Indonesia in various ways, including cultural product exchanges and bilateral visits.

"There are many ways to strengthen the two countries` cultural relationship, such as through the exchange of cultural products and mutual visits," head of the Iranian Islamic Propagation Seyed Mahdi Khamoushi told Antara here on Monday.

Khamoushi remarked that putting this plan into practice should not be too challenging, but it will require commitment toward expanding the cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Besides this, the exchange of cultural experts is also necessary for deeper cultural understanding.

"Cooperation between the two countries must be strong and deep. The exchange of cultural experts to explore and understand each other`s culture is necessary," he said.

Khamoushi also praised the photo exhibition being held by Antara and Mehr News Agencies as one method of strengthening the two countries` cultural ties. It demonstrated direct community interaction over events occurring in other countries.

"Our proposal could be expanded even further, with art exhibitions that invite Iranian artists to Indonesia to paint pictures of events in Iran," he stated.

In addition, Khamoushi also suggested hosting a joint cultural week for Indonesia and Iran, where cultural courses can be conducted for humanists and scientists in both countries.

Khamoushi also pointed out that cultural relations could be expanded through improvements in economic trade relations.

Reporter: Imam Budilaksono
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2013