Promoting Persian Is Part of Iran’s Public Diplomacy Agenda
WANA (Jun 01) – The spokesperson and head of the Public Diplomacy Center at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that promoting and preserving the Persian language worldwide remains a key pillar of the ministry’s public diplomacy agenda.
Speaking at the 11th International Conference of Institutions Active in Teaching Persian Language and Literature, held on Sunday, June 1st, and hosted by the Saadi Foundation, Esmaeil Baghaei highlighted the cultural and civilizational value of Persian as a medium of thought and wisdom.
“Persian is the language of philosophy, mysticism, poetry, and civilization — a language that has historically influenced vast regions, from Bengal to the Indian subcontinent,” Baghaei stated. “Today, Persian can play a unique role in the Islamic Republic’s intercultural dialogue efforts thanks to its rich literary and spiritual heritage.”
He stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in alignment with its broader diplomatic goals, has long supported initiatives to preserve and promote Persian as a vital component of Iranian identity and a tool for cultural diplomacy.
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Baghaei further noted that Iranian embassies and diplomatic missions, along with cultural attachés and Saadi Foundation representatives stationed abroad, are actively engaged in fostering Persian language education.
He identified international student admissions to Iranian universities as a major theme of the conference, underscoring that such policies not only strengthen academic and cultural ties but also help cultivate future generations of cultural ambassadors for Iran in their home countries.
“In coordination with the Saadi Foundation, the Ministry of Science, and the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, we are working to simplify bureaucratic procedures and offer effective scholarships to attract students passionate about Persian and Iranian studies,” he said.
“The Saadi Foundation has played a vital role in coordinating efforts among Persian language institutions and deserves recognition for its contributions.”
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The Foreign Ministry, Baghaei added, has also utilized its global network of embassies to introduce and support the foundation’s programs. However, he acknowledged existing challenges such as restrictions on the Persian language in some countries, limited financial resources, and the need for improved teaching methods.
“Despite these hurdles, we are hopeful that by building shared digital platforms, strengthening alumni networks, and leveraging the capacity of NGOs, we can overcome these obstacles,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Baghaei expressed gratitude to the educators, institutions, and practitioners in the field of Persian language instruction, reaffirming the Foreign Ministry’s commitment to supporting their efforts within the broader framework of the Islamic Republic’s cultural policies.
“We hope this conference will lead to practical and effective decisions to safeguard, promote, and expand the Persian language around the world,” he said.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, May 5, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
