Austrian Ambassador who visited the University on February 21st spoke about the background of Iran-Austria relations, primarily political, economic and cultural relations, and the potentials to expand them.

Pointing to the Iranian military and political superiority during Safavid and Afshari dynasties which made Europeans call King Nader as New Alexander, he added: Iran and Austria have always been influential in history and benefited from common interactions.

He mentioned the presence of Austrian mentors in Iran at the time of founding Dar al-Fonoun and described it as one of the most notable scientific and cultural co-operations between two countries.

Describing his observations of people’s spiritual culture during his presence in Iran, he said: seeing the pilgrims at the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad as well as Lady Ma’soumeh in Qom reminded me of the pilgrims of Saint Mariazell in my country. Making a comparison between these two cases shows the spiritual similarities in performing their rituals.

In another part of his speech, he offered some suggestions to boost the economic and cultural co-operations between two countries including co-operation in bringing stability to the

Middle East and Africa and in improving mutual commercial opportunities.

He also met Hojjat-ul-Islam-val- Moslemin Dr. Seyyed Abul-Hasan Navvab, president of the University of Religions and Denominations. Mr. Navvab in this meeting explained the programs of the University in education and research and international co-operations with foreign universities as well as presence of Austrian students and professors in Shi’ite Study courses.

Mr. Scholz described such relations as effective in boosting the mutual relations and emphasized the continuation of such issues.