Interview with Mr. Nazeri, Consul-General of Islamic Republic of Iran in Shanghai

By Wang Yanbing

As an ancient nation, Iran has created brilliant cultures during the course of development. In 2010, Iran and its achievements of civilization will set foot in Shanghai World Expo.

On October 16, 2007, a delegation led by Mr. Nazeri, consul-general of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Shanghai, visited the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, and submitted the letter of confirmation on Iran's participation in Expo 2010.

Six months later, we meet Mr. Nazeri again. The face-to-face talk shortens the distance between us while we getting closer to the Expo.

"China and Iran have always been friends and brothers. The friendship between China and Iran dates far back into history. The Silk Road works as not only a trade tie, but a soul to soul bridge."

Such a straightforward greeting brings us closer immediately.

Iran, known as the "East-West Air Corridor", is a nation with a long history, which has witnessed the great civilizations and eternal glories in different epochs. The footprints of history can be found everywhere in Iran, the countryside or the city. Living in the land of Iran, different nationalities enjoy the unique diversity that creates the charming nation.

"Traveling to Iran, people may find imprints of different civilizations throughout the country. The urban development in Iran is proceeding rapidly. At Expo 2010, Iran will present the civilization of its cities." Nazeri is in the full conviction that the city civilization in Iran will win recognition from the Chinese people, who will also be in sympathy with the way of development Iran follows, for both peoples enjoy similar social customs. For instance, we show respect to the elders and teachers, advocate the education, and think much of the close affinity among family members.

Nowadays, both countries are making great efforts to strengthen the cooperation in such fields as energy, mineral products, telecom, and tourism, as well as to promote the mutual understanding and information exchange between the Iranian and Chinese peoples. Nazeri notes, "World Expo 2010 Shanghai China will provide a great platform as well as a new bridge that we just need."

"We will participate in Expo 2010 in an active manner, and hope to maintain a favorable cooperative relationship with China."

Talking about Iran's participation in Expo 2010, Nazeri appeared to be having too much to say. In July 2007, Iran officially announced its participation in Expo 2010, and authorized Iran International Exhibitions Company that is affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce to deal with issues related to the participation. Not long before, Iran sent an expert delegation to Shanghai to pay an investigation visit and hold further discussions with the Organizer upon Iran's exhibition concept and plan for the Expo.

"Relevant experts, scholars and businessmen in Iran are very interested in Expo 2010! We will fully study the Expo theme, and develop a detailed theme presentation plan, which will incorporate the achievements in urban civilization made by cities throughout Iran. For example, we intend to demonstrate how the people be benefited from natural energy resources." Referring to the Expo theme "Better City, Better Life", Nazeri said, "City is the center where people can communicate with each other. A nice city shall be a dynamic place, provided with its unique features, and represented by the colorful and energetic city life. Expo 2010 with a city theme will be a great opportunity for the people to be in touch with different civilizations, customs, cultures and urban development statuses all over the world, to consolidate the cooperative relationship in culture economy, education, trade and many more fields." Nazeri started his assignment in Shanghai, an ideal and livable city, one year ago. He has a wish to witness the development trend of future cities in the Urban Best Practices Area at Expo 2010.

In the eye of Nazeri, the country and the city are just like two wings of a plane. In line with one of the sub-themes of Expo 2010 - "Interaction between the country and the city", Iran would like to present the unique charms of the interaction between the country and the city.

Most of the cities in Iran were originated in the ancient. Nowadays, we have made great achievements in developing modern cities. Isfahan is one of the oldest cities in Iran. As the Persian proverb says, "Isfahan is half of the world", which reflects the scene of the glorious ancient city. Today's Isfahan is a famous resort, attracting the tourists with the Imam Square, the Palace of Forty Columns, the Bridge of 33 Arches, the Ali Qapu Palace, and many traditional marketplaces and handicraft shops. The capital Teheran, the largest city in Iran, keeps the historical urban commercial area and administrative area while incorporating modern architectural elements. There are large amounts of historic sites and museums in Teheran, which build the largest cultural and education center in Iran.

Traveling to the countryside in Iran, you may see beautiful and tranquil houses at the foot of the mountain, within the forest or garden, as well as the hardworking people on the farmland. It must be an interesting and worthy trip, when you really step into the villages to discover the mysteries.

According to Nazeri, Iran is a magical treasury, which is rooted in the ancient Persian culture. The Iranian Pavilion for Expo 2010 is expected to attract more Chinese visitors, who can experience the unique local customs and culture of Iran.