Iranian ambassador Ali Asghar Mohammadi said the festival was being held in conjunction with the Iranian new year (Nowruz) that coincides with spring in his country.

Acknowledging that Persian culture and literature had limited influence over Malaysia’s, Ali said he hoped the festival would highlight how the two cultures are actually connected to each other.

“In fact, we share the same Islamic values and Asian traditions which uphold 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 in his speech.

He added that the Iranian Cultural Festival enabled the exchange of ideas, values and traditions between Iran and Malaysia.

He said that through the festival’s performing arts, live music, films, handicraft, food and tourism, Iranians and Malaysians would get to know each other and be better able to appreciate the beauty and diversity of each other’s cultures.

The Iranian cultural festival, which is a collaboration between the Iranian embassy, Pavilion Lumpur in Bukit Bintang, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), will run for seven weeks — from April 8 until May 16.