MEET THE PRESS: Xu Weixin (left), a journalist from Shanghai-based Wenhui Bao newspaper, gives an interview to Iranian media on November 17 at Beijing Review's booth at the 15th International Exhibition of Press and News Agencies in Tehran (YAN WEI)

Iran is ready to cooperate with China in the fields of media and culture and there are no obstacles for the two countries to develop cultural relations, said Alireza Malekian, Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

Malekian made the remarks on November 17 in an interview with Beijing Review on the sidelines of the 15th International Exhibition of Press and News Agencies held in Tehran. The annual exhibition will be open to the public November 16 to 22. Some 470 Iranian publications and news agencies as well as media organizations from 27 foreign countries attended the event.

"I'm very happy to see our friends from China in the exhibition," Malekian said. "This is the first time that a Chinese delegation has taken part in it."

He said he hoped Iranian and Chinese journalists could take this opportunity to exchange views and get better acquainted with each other.

Chinese reporters often travel to Iran and have a strong presence in the country, he added.

A number of Chinese news outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, China Radio International and the Shanghai-based Wenhui Bao newspaper have bureaus in Tehran. The 15th International Exhibition of Press and News Agencies saw the participation of five Chinese media organizations-Beijing Review, China Daily, Beijing Youth Daily, Wenhui Bao and Guangzhou Daily. They showcased publications in both Chinese and English to Iranian readers.

"Compared to other parts, I see this stall is more active," said interpreter Mojgan Abdi, referring to the Chinese booth at the exhibition. "The only weak point I can see is that you could have brought more things to give Iranians more information about China."

Iranians are interested in learning more about China's economy, society and tourist attractions, she said.

(Reporting from Tehran)