Iran, Zim media urged to join forces

two countries should work together in defence of their homelands, visiting Deputy Head of the Commission of Culture in the Parliament of Iran Mr Java Aryan Manesh has said.
Mr Manesh said this in a meeting with Zimpapers management and editors at Herald House yesterday.
He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mr Sayed Akbar Pour Massud and is in Zimbabwe for a three-day visit to strengthen cultural ties and check on implementation of bilateral agreements.
“The visit is meant to strengthen ties under the executive programme signed by the presidents of our countries in the areas of education, media and culture.
“Our two nations are living with the challenge of imperialism and should work together to give real news about what is happening in our countries and not be controlled by what is coming from the West.
“We are happy that the road has already been paved between Tehran and Harare and hope can be explored through exchange of journalists and articles and information,” he said.
Mr Manesh said Iran was amending its media laws to reflect the changing climate where electronic platforms are taking centre stage.
Zimpapers group chief executive officer Mr Justin Mutasa said the cordial bilateral ties would help improve the local media industry.
“Digitalisation is the way to go and with the help of your country Zimpapers hopes to improve in that area.
“Recently we were in Kenya where we learnt a lot about the electronic media and we are in the process of developing those for our publication.
“With the assistance of our friends in Iran we can achieve it.”
The delegation also met University of Zimbabwe vice chancellor Professor Levy Nyagura, National Archives Director Mr Ivan Murambiwa, ZBC chief executive Happison Muchechetere and Education, Sports, Art and Culture Minister David Coltart.
Today the delegation is expected to meet Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu.