Uzbekistan and Iran discuss expanding cooperation in tourism and culture

Fariduddin Nasriov, Uzbekistan's ambassador to Tehran met with Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in Tehran. This is reported by  Iran Press, a partner of TV BRICS.

Salehi Amiri expressed hope that the meeting will be an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations. Particular attention was paid to the establishment of a technical committee on tourism, which is expected to boost tourist flow between the countries and strengthen cultural ties. 

Salehi Amiri proposed a number of measures to promote tourism cooperation, including increasing the number of flights, interacting with Uzbek airlines and establishing ties between travel agencies of the two countries. 

The minister also noted that Iran and Uzbekistan have six joint UNESCO intangible cultural heritage sites such as Nowruz, rubab musical instrument, miniature art and silk weaving. He suggested organising joint cultural festivals to promote the common heritage. 

The sides also discussed cooperation in archaeological research and restoration, development of medical tourism, joint craft exhibitions and exchange of experience between craftsmen. 

Ambassador Nasriov reiterated Uzbekistan's interest in deepening relations with Iran. He expressed readiness to simplify entry for Iranian tourists, support the establishment of a technical committee on tourism and establish cooperation with Iranian travel agencies and airlines to improve transport links between the countries.