KUALA LUMPUR: Cross-cultural initiatives promote interaction and connects people, said Iranian ambassador Ali Asghar Mohammadi, a firm believer of this practice, especially with Malaysia which shares similar Islamics culture with them.
"It tells us that cross-cultural initiatives like this, not only allows us to interact with others about our culture but more importantly it makes us realize how we are all connected to one another.
"In fact, we share the same Islamic values and Asian traditions which uphold the respect for the family and society.
"Cultural discourse is all about making the right perceptions about others through better understanding and respecting others," he said at the launch of the 'Eid in Harmony' festival at Pavilion KL in Jalan Bukit Bintang.
Present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Saraya Arbi, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer (retail) Datuk Joyce Yap, Kuala Lumpur City Hall culture, arts, tourism and sports director Khairul Azmir and Maybank Group's community financial services head of cards B. Ravintharan.
Guests were treated to a vibrant Malaysian Islamic fashion show by Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah and given an exclusive tour of the 'Eid in Harmony' marketplace.
Ali Asghar said that he believed that an active and meaningful cultural diplomacy was pertinent by utilising the exchange of ideas, values and traditions, performing arts, live music, film screening, handicraft, food and tourism.
"We will be able to know each other better and entertain the beauty and diversity of other cultures.
"I am very pleased and grateful that our two governments and private entities are supporting the enhancement of our cultural programmes and intellectual engagements," he said.
Ali Asghar added that the holy month of Ramadan offered them to celebrate the real spirit of togetherness between the Iranian community here and Malaysians.
Reminiscing, he recalled how the Covid-19 pandemic had brought difficult times to the people all around the globe, over the past two years.
"However, thanks to the new normalcy, we are now able to once again celebrate Ramadan together in this beautiful venue in a unique cross-cultural festival between Iran and Malaysia.
"The Iranian community living in Malaysia comprising elites in the fields of science and academia, art, entrepreneurship and business have always been able and willing to create valuable opportunities to stimulate various key sectors in Malaysia with their initiatives and motivations.
"Like many others, they have managed to overcome the pandemic and we are lucky enough to see the symmetry of this event and the arrival of the Iranian New Year with the reopening of the borders in Malaysia," he said.
Ali Asghar added that the launch of the festival was a small part of a great cultural interaction between two nations, which coincided with the arrival of the Persian New Year 'Nowruz' on March 21 to welcome spring - signifying better days ahead.
"Here in Malaysia, due to its ever-green season, Nowruz may probably not be so tangible to many.
"However, it does not undermine the fact that the Persian culture and literature has a deep influence in Malaysia," said Ali Asghar.
Meanwhile, Saraya said that with the Malaysian borders open to international visitors from April 1, they were excited once again for Kuala Lumpur to continue its role as one of the top shopping destinations in the world.
"I am sure tourism players, including tour agencies and operators, hotels and tourist destinations such as shopping malls, are with us when we express our excitement to welcome tourists back to our shores.
"After a rather quiet past two years, we expect to welcome two million international tourist arrivals this year, with RM8.6 billion in tourism receipts.
"The arrival of international tourists will gradually grow in 2022 from neighbouring countries of Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, followed by regional
South-East Asia countries, the rest of Asia and from the medium and long-haul market," she said.
She added that Hari Raya was an excellent time to celebrate this return, and to share the Malaysian culture with the world.
"I am certain that this collaboration with the Iranian embassy will present a very unique Hari Raya celebration for both Malaysians, Iranians and tourists alike, as we discover more about each other's cultures.
"Pre-pandemic, Iran was one of the top-performing markets for Malaysia, and we welcomed encouraging numbers of Iranian tourists, especially during the Persian New Year holiday.
"We hope to continue this trend now that our borders have re-opened, to re-establish the return of Iranian tourists, with the potential for stronger growth," Saraya said.
'Eid in Harmony' is an international, cross-cultural showcase that celebrates the heritage, culture, and traditions of both Malaysia and Iran.
Following the celebration of the Persian New Year from April 2-7, the festival offers authentic Iranian products and interactive activities at Pavilion KL until May 16.
Apart from Hari Raya gifts and souvenirs, visitors can enjoy musical and dance performances.
They can also witness a 'live' Persian carpet weaving demonstration and the 'Meenakari' copper and ceramic enameling handicraft that originated from Safavid, Iran.