An Iranian official has called for the establishment of an association of Persian-speaking countries as well as a joint task force between Iran and Tajikistan to promote cultural heritage registration projects at the international level, IRNA reported on February 24.

Iran's Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ali Darabi reportedly said in a ceremony dubbed Iran-Tajikistan Cultural Heritage Night on Friday that he hopes an association of Persian-speaking countries would be established and both countries would create a task force to pursue the compilation of Iran-Tajikistan cases of inscribing cultural heritage on international lists.

Mr. Darabi made the remarks in the presence of a delegation from Tajikistan, including the country’s deputy culture minister and ambassador to Iran.

He further called for holding joint exhibitions and exchanging experiences as well as training courses to pave the ground for compiling and registering national and international dossiers.

He also expressed hope that meetings such as Iran-Tajikistan Cultural Heritage Night will help enhance cooperation, unity, and peace, as well as preserve both the Persian language and Islamic values, IRNA added.