WANA (Sep 17) – The Chinese ambassador to Iran announced that nearly 60,000 Chinese tourists visit Iran each year, calling it an opportunity to deepen cultural exchanges, scientific collaboration, and expand economic and trade relations between the two countries.

 

During his visit to Mazandaran Province on Wednesday and in a meeting with officials at the University of Mazandaran, Zhong Piwu emphasized that strengthening academic, cultural, and technological cooperation remains a top priority in Iran–China relations.

 

Highlighting the importance of student and faculty exchange as well as joint efforts in artificial intelligence, he added: “Supporting knowledge-based companies and facilitating visa issuance for students and tourists are among the embassy’s main programs in Iran.”

 

The ambassador also pointed to ongoing Persian language courses in China and Chinese language instruction at the University of Mazandaran, stressing that expanding language and cultural education in both countries will play a crucial role in enhancing people-to-people ties and academic cooperation.

University of Mazandaran’s Capacity for Academic Cooperation with China

At the meeting, Ebrahim Salehi-Amran, President of the University of Mazandaran, welcomed the ambassador’s proposals and outlined the university’s potential. He noted that with more than 13,000 students across various disciplines and levels of study, the university is ready to broaden academic, research, and technological collaboration with Chinese universities.

 

He added that faculty and student exchange, commercialization of technology, and the development of knowledge-based companies are key objectives of this cooperation. The university, he said, aims to form specialized working groups to implement joint programs and launch collaborative research and educational projects.

 

Emphasis on Scientific and Cultural Diplomacy

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides underlined the importance of scientific and cultural diplomacy as an effective driver for strengthening bilateral relations. They also agreed to pursue university, technological, and tourism cooperation with greater determination.