Iranian leader, envoy call on Chief Minister
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, June 3
Ayatollah Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri, Adviser to the Supreme Leader of Iran and former Speaker of Iranian Parliament, called on Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed here today.
He was accompanied by Iran’s Ambassador to India Gholemreza Ansari.
The Minister for IT, Youth Services & Sports and Technical Education, Imran Raza Ansari, was also present on the occasion.
During their meeting, Mufti Sayeed discussed with the Iranian leader several issues of mutual interest, especially those related to culture, heritage, cuisine and handicraft.
He made a special reference of high-quality Iranian carpets.
The Chief Minister said Iranian influence on Kashmir’s art and culture had been very strong. He also praised Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeni.
Ayatollah Nategh Nouri praised the unparalleled beauty of Kashmir by quoting from the famous Persian couplet – Agar firdous baroye zameen ast, hami asto, hami asto hamiast” (If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here).
He accepted an invitation for a longer visit to Kashmir next time and hoped that the Chief Minister would reciprocate by visiting Iran.
