The Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon Dr. Sayyed Mohammad Rida Mortadawi Heads Delegation
On a Visit to MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
Emphasis on Strengthening Cultural and Social Cooperation
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received Dr. Sayyed Mohammad Rida Mortadawi, the Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon, at the head of a delegation including Dr. Ali Kasir, Media Affairs Officer, and Mr. Jawad Tabrizi, Director of the Counselor’s Office (Secretary). The meeting took place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.
The meeting was attended from the MECC side by Professor Laure Abi Khalil, Coordinator of the “Dialogue, Social Cohesion and Human Dignity” programs.
During the meeting, the participants discussed many issues of common interest, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation and communication between both sides. Discussions also addressed opportunities to develop areas of mutual cooperation in ways that contribute to promoting dialogue and understanding among different Religious and cultural communities, while reinforcing the values of coexistence, peace, and solidarity in the region.
In this context, both sides also discussed ways to reactivate and consolidate relations through a future memorandum of understanding that would serve as a framework for joint activities. They stressed the importance of fostering meaningful interfaith dialogue aimed at identifying shared values and promoting mutual understanding, in order to strengthen and consolidate the spirit of citizenship and full partnership in society and humanity. This includes joint efforts in the field of humanitarian and community service on a neutral basis, as well as efforts to achieve justice and defend human rights, enabling people to live in freedom, peace, and equality.
Moreover, discussions centered on the possibility of developing joint initiatives, including cultural meetings, roundtables, and intellectual and academic seminars, in addition to encouraging the participation of the youth, researchers, and academics in activities that promote mutual understanding, exchange of expertise, and enrichment of intercultural dialogue.
The participants further explored potential cooperation in preparing studies, research papers, and joint cultural programs addressing issues of dialogue, human dignity, and social cohesion, as well as the role of culture in promoting peace within society.
The importance of cultural and religious dialogue in building bridges of communication and fostering a culture of acceptance of others was also emphasized, along with the need to confront stereotypes and hate speech in ways that serve social cohesion, preserve human dignity, and respect the diversity of societies.
The meeting comes within the framework of the Middle East Council of Churches’ vision of expanding areas of cultural and social cooperation and strengthening partnerships that contribute to building trust and consolidating the values of dialogue, mutual respect, and engagement among the various components of society.
At the end of the visit, Dr. Sayyed Mohammad Rida Mortadawi, Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon, presented to Professor Michel Abs a commemorative gift consisting of miniature artworks, as a token of appreciation and affection.
In his turn, Professor Abs presented to the Counselor the MECC latest publication, which includes 25 seminars, roundtables, and webinars organized by the Dialogue, Social Cohesion and Rehabilitation of Human Dignity Program.
