The diplomatic delegations' banquet on the occasion of the global registration of the Alamut Castle and its related fortifications was held on the evening of Tuesday, October ٢١, ١٤٠٥, at the Sardar Mofakham Mansion in Qazvin. This ceremony, attended by political representatives from more than ten countries in the world in Iran, was an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and honor our shared human heritage.
The history and culture of Alamut and the expansion of international relations
Ali Akbar Salehi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and President of the Iranology Foundation, referred to the historical and cultural significance of Alamut and its potential to strengthen connections between nations. He stated that the presence of diplomatic representatives at this event was an opportunity for better understanding and recognition of each other, as well as paying attention to the responsibility of countries in bringing nations closer together.
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Salehi stated: "Alamut is a place where history, nature, and thought converge, and the sturdy fortresses of this region bear witness to an important chapter in the history of Iran and the Islamic world." He also pointed out that Alamut had become one of the important political, cultural, and intellectual centers of the Nizari Ismailis at one point in history, leaving a distinct mark on the history of this region.
The responsibility of diplomats and the importance of dialogue
The President of the Iranology Foundation regarded the registration of the "Alamut Castle and its related fortifications" in the UNESCO World Heritage List in ٢٠٢٦ as recognition of the value of this heritage and noted that this event creates a shared responsibility for humanity in safeguarding the treasures of the past and transferring them to future generations.
Salehi emphasized the importance of dialogue in diplomatic relations, saying: "Sometimes a timely explanation, a candid dialogue, or an accurate transmission of a message can prevent a misunderstanding from turning into a serious dispute in diplomatic relations." He also referred to the dual role of ambassadors, who, on one hand, convey the positions and concerns of their respective governments to others, and on the other hand, assist their governments in understanding the realities and legitimate concerns of the countries where they are assigned.
According to him, diplomacy in its best form, in addition to resolving disputes, is also the art of preventing avoidable conflicts. Salehi also clarified that mutual understanding does not mean agreement among all nations on all issues, but rather requires a readiness to listen to and understand different viewpoints.
Given the unprecedented speed of information dissemination in today's world, the responsibility of diplomats has doubled. Misinformation can spread rapidly, while trust requires time and meaningful interaction to form. Salehi expressed hope that the visit of diplomatic representatives to Alamut would pave the way for new opportunities for cultural, academic, scientific, and tourism collaborations between Iran and their respective countries.
He concluded by saying: "Diplomacy is a bridge between nations and their shared future," and while appreciating the presence of political representatives at this event, he emphasized that knowledge, foresight, and fairness are important capacities for diplomats to play a lasting role in this path.
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