The freedom we aspire to corresponds to the level of our culture

Prof. Akbar Alami, member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament

Prof. Akbar Alami is chief expert in law, specialist in economy and world economy. Deputy from the city of Tabriz. Member of the reformists in Medjlis.

This is his second mandate in the Islamic Consultative Assembly (the Iranian parliament). He is chairman of the groups for friendship with Great Britain and Germany and of the Iranian Radio and Television Supervising Council.

Prof. Alami is the father of 5 children – four daughters (three of them university students) and a son. He is convinced they all want to stay, live and work in Iran.

“I have been a revolutionary even before the revolution. At that time I was studying in the university. I graduated after the war. 14 years ago I was among the people who started Salam, the newspaper of the reformists which directly criticized the government but was later closed down.

I consider myself to be one of the most independent democrats in our parliament and I speak my mind without fear. I fear only God.”

Prof. Akbar Alami, you are coming to Bulgaria for the first time. What did you know about our country and what are your impressions now?
My opinion was confirmed of the Bulgarians as very hospitable and cordial people. I noticed common traits with our Eastern culture. In the past we had traditionally good relations with Bulgaria, joint cultural initiatives, and I hope these will go on. The aim of my visit here is to improve the contacts and interrelations between our parliaments.

During my stay here I managed to see many interesting things and gather information about the situation in your country. Although I haven’t been here before, I can clearly see the ambition of the government for faster development. In view of our relations this would also be favorable for us.

After your meetings in Bulgaria, do you have any concrete solutions and personal initiatives for drawing closer the Bulgarian and Iranian peoples?
Of course, I will certainly work in this direction. My coming here was mainly connected with the marking of our national day. I met your MPs, I talked with the deputy chairman of the parliamentary foreign policy committee and a representative of the Muslim community in Bulgaria. I believe that in future both parliaments will work for the promotion of our interrelations.

I am sure we will achieve good results in the field of culture, economy and politics. I believe in the economic potential of Bulgaria and it can be proved in Iran. In my opinion, economically your country will more easily win positions in Iran than in the EU countries. Not only in Iran but also in the Middle East, in the Persian Gulf. It can be a good partner in all fields. At present, unfortunately, we are not at the required level in an economical aspect. I am sure that Iranian products too will find a place on the Bulgarian market. Our products here do not come directly from the producers but through mediators, and as a result their prices go up while their quality is poorer. I think, we need to develop the relations in this respect and if there are direct agreements between our countries these problems will be overcome. I will work in this direction and I trust the efforts will be mutual.

I hope my next visit to Bulgaria will be official and give an opportunity for negotiations in order to achieve good results like two friendly countries.

What is the tourist exchange between the two countries? What does Iran offer?
In the area of tourism work should be done for the signing of contracts and if this is achieved, many new doors will open before both nations.

In the short time I was here I did not manage to see many places in your country but I am sure Bulgaria as a tourist destination can offer a lot to its guests. I visited Plovdiv and was fascinated by this town. Iran also has many landmarks. I am sure if you see it you will want to visit it repeatedly. What I noticed is that here the information about Iran is very scarce, incorrect or even deleted. If you go to Iran at any time of the year you will be able to experience the charm of the four seasons within one day. You can feel the warmth of the sun and temperatures of 25°–26° and snow with temperatures below zero. This land of ancient culture and nation holds great potential for the development of tourism.

The Bulgarians are a very hospitable nation, but I want to assure you that our people is no less hospitable. Come and see for yourselves. The Iranians have a very positive attitude to the world, you will feel it in your heart.

When I go back to Iran there will be one more person who presents your country, culture and potentials.

You know, American pictures are popular everywhere, but there is something interesting – in Iran the film about Khan Asparuh was shown several times and it was very well liked. This is one more sign that the two nations have common traits and interests.