On September 26, the Rudaki Auditorium was officially opened at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian-Armenian University. Professor Edward  Sandoyan, RAU Rector and Doctor of Economics in Armenia and Russia, and Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Professor Edward  Sandoyan noted that relations between Armenia and Iran have noticeably strengthened  in recent years. He emphasized Ambassador Sobhani's active involvement in the university's life and his support for the  implementation of cultural and educational initiatives. Mehhdi Sobhani thanked the RAU leadership for their kind words and noted the  symbolism of his presence at the RAU during the final days of his diplomatic mission.

"It is important for us to build bridges between Iran and Armenia.  The opening of this auditorium, named after the great poet Rudaki,  demonstrates that the study of Iranian culture and literature will  actively develop and resonate globally. I have always stood by the  Armenian people in both joy and hard times. We have proven ourselves  to be reliable neighbors and true friends, and I will always be proud  of Armenian- Iranian relations, wherever I am," the diplomat  emphasized.

He also praised the Armenian School of Iranian Studies, currently successfully operating at the Russian- Armenian University. According  to the Ambassador, the school is of global significance, recognized  and renowned throughout the world, and its achievements make a  significant contribution to the development of the humanities.

 

Mehdi Sobhani also noted that Professor Garnik Asatryan, Director of the  Institute of Oriental Studies at RAU, was elected an Honorary Member of the Iranian Academy of Sciences in the Department of Literature and Language, marking a significant milestone for Armenian-Iranian scientific cooperation.

Professor Garnik Asatryan, in turn, emphasized: "Rudaki is not only a  Persian poet, singer, and founder of Persian literature, but also a  poet of the East in the broadest sense of the word, whose work is  revered from India to Asia Minor. His name is a symbol for the Tajik  people and the entire Eastern civilization.  Therefore, the opening  of this auditorium is of particular significance not only for the  Institute of Oriental Studies but for RAU as a whole."

It should be noted that representatives from  the Embassy of the  Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia, the Cultural Center of the  Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia, as well as  university faculty  and students attended the event.