His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania received a farewell visit on Friday, May 9, at the Patriarchal Residence from His Excellency Mr. Sadat Meidani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Bucharest.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Patriarch of Romania warmly welcomed the ambassador and expressed appreciation for His Excellency’s extensive diplomatic and academic experience.
In return, the ambassador thanked His Beatitude for the reception and emphasized the Romanian Orthodox Church’s important role in contemporary Romanian society.
He also highlighted Romania’s long-standing diplomatic relations with Iran and the two countries’ commercial agreements.
Cooperation and Cultural Exchange
Patriarch Daniel expressed appreciation for Iran’s rich cultural and religious heritage and noted that the country possesses some of the world’s most valuable mineral resources.
He mentioned that onyx imported from Iran has been used in the arches of the iconostasis doors at the National Cathedral of Romania.
In this context, His Excellency conveyed his willingness to facilitate cooperation with the Romanian Patriarchate through the Iranian Embassy in Bucharest in acquiring various types of marble sourced from Iran.
Promoting Religious Tourism in Iran
During the meeting, both Patriarch Daniel and the ambassador discussed the need to develop religious tourism in Iran. His Beatitude suggested that Iran’s sacred sites be included in the pilgrimage programs of Basilica Travel, the Romanian Patriarchate’s official travel agency.
The ambassador noted that the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel is located in the Iranian city of Susa.
At the end of the meeting, the ambassador once again expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and friendship shown to him by the Romanian people throughout his diplomatic mission in the country.
Issued by the Department for External Church Relations
Photo: Patriarchal Office
