On December 5, 2024, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia had the honor of hosting a high-ranking delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Gohar Iskandaryan, Acting Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, welcomed the delegation led by Dr. Gholam Ali Haddad Adel. In her address, she expressed hope that this cognitive visit would lay the foundation for practical cooperation aimed at the advancement of scientific ties. Dr. Iskandaryan presented the history, structure, and research directions of the Institute, highlighting several potential areas for bilateral collaboration.

Dr. Gholam Ali Haddad Adel—President of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature, President of the Saadi Foundation, and member of Iran’s Expediency Council—noted his pleasure at returning to Armenia after 18 years. He emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between the two institutions, particularly in the fields of Persian language dissemination, literary exchange, and academic visits. Stressing the long-standing presence of Armenians in Iran, especially in the realm of science, Dr. Haddad Adel underscored the significance of deepening scientific relations between Iran and Armenia.

The distinguished delegation included: H.E. Mr. Mehdi Sobhani, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Seyed Ali Mousavizadeh, Vice President for International Relations of the Saadi Foundation, Mr. Mehdi Karimi, Head of the Persian Language Development, Coordination Department at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Asadi Movahedi, Cultural Advisor of the Iranian Embassy in Armenia, Ms. Neda Raefipour, Public Diplomacy Attaché of the Iranian Embassy in Armenia. Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani delivered remarks, reaffirming the Iranian side’s readiness to engage in close cooperation with the Institute of Oriental Studies, noting that there is a solid foundation for joint initiatives.

The Iranian delegation was also received by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Professor Ashot Saghyan, who presented the structure and mission of the Academy, as well as key directions for potential collaboration.