The first meeting between the Iranian government and the university´s administration took place May 15, when the rector, Father Julio Manzanares, met with Hassan Shafti, Iranian ambassador to Spain.

The ambassador expressed Iran´s desire to sign future agreements of cooperation between Salamanca and Iranian universities. Shafti expressed the hope of strengthening the "basically cultural" ties between Salamanca and Iran.

Father Manzanares manifested his satisfaction over "this meeting" of two cultures, two civilizations, and two distinct religions, in line with John Paul II´s recent trip which included stops in Syria and Greece, the university reported.

In last Friday´s elections in Iran, President Mohammed Khatami won 77% of the vote.