YSU bridges Armenian-Iranian fraternal ties

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, in his welcoming speech, emphasized the significance of Armenian-Iranian friendly relations for both countries and highlighted the personal contribution of the Iranian Ambassador in strengthening bilateral ties. 

Reflecting on the deepening of cooperation with the Iranian Embassy in the past three years, the rector noted, "Mehdi Sobhani is the unique ambassador who, during my tenure, is being awarded YSU Gold Medal. This award is a manifestation of our gratitude for the ambassador’s effective and direct cooperation."

Ruben Melkonyan, the Dean of YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies, also highlighted the ambassador’s significant role in strengthening partnerships, describing him as the faculty's "expected friend".  

"If the Iranian ambassador does not visit our faculty for a few weeks, the students ask, 'Where is our distinguished friend?' This shows that Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani is not only an official representative but also our close partner," the dean pointed out.

The award of YSU Gold Medal to the ambassador symbolized the strong educational and cultural cooperation between Yerevan State University and the Islamic Republic of Iran, marking the strengthening of Armenian-Iranian relations and fruitful cooperation with YSU. Additionally, an appreciation letter was presented to Mohammad Asadi Movahed, Cultural Attaché at the Iranian Embassy in Armenia, for his significant contribution to the development of educational and cultural ties. 

Expressing his appreciation for the honorary award, Mohammad Asadi Movahed emphasized, "This is not only a symbol of my work but also of the strong ties between the two friendly nations. The development of cultural relations with Armenia is one of our priorities," he stated.

Professor Vardan Voskanyan, Head of the Chair of Iranian Studies at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, discussed the university’s and Iran’s academic relations, adding that with the direct efforts of the Iranian Embassy, one of YSU's large halls, the Ferdowsi Hall, has been renovated.

"The renovation was comprehensive, and technical enhancements, including audiovisual systems, were also provided. This, in essence, can be called 'academic diplomacy', as YSU, as a major educational institution, is taking actions to strengthen not only the university but also the ties between Armenia and Iran," V. Voskanyan emphasized. 

He also noted that YSU has other cultural programs, including a series of lectures by the ambassador, the second of which has already taken place. These lectures address various issues, as well as the skills of Iranian diplomacy. Furthermore, within the framework of cooperation between YSU and Iran, Armenian students have the opportunity to visit different Iranian universities and participate in study visits. This summer, such a visit was organized, during which students visited and explored several Iranian universities. 

At the conclusion of the event, the Iranian delegation presented a cultural program to the students, featuring traditional Iranian music performances and showcasing elements representing Iranian culture and traditions. The program once again emphasized the historical connections and close relations between the two peoples, strengthening mutual respect and cooperation.

The leadership of YSU and representatives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies expressed confidence that Armenian-Iranian cooperation would be long-term and that such events would become a good tradition, contributing to the strengthening of partnership ties between the two nations.

The event was attended by YSU faculty members, representatives from the Iranian Embassy, and students.