Tehran – CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization, Mohammad Jafakabili met with local officials during a day’s visit to the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, to speak and study ways to promote tourism cooperation between southern Iran and Russia’s Kish Island.
Pointing to previous negotiations with the Russian Consulate last February, Kabilli said that the mutual desire between Kish and Russia to attract Muslim and non-Muslim tourists, particularly in Russia, paved the way for a trip to Mahachakala, the republic of Dagestan.
He said Muslims make up more than 95% of Dagestan’s population, of which 150,000 are Shia Muslims. This suggests that the region has important potential to promote religious and cultural tourism, he added.
Furthermore, he said that the presence of one of the important Russian ports in the region has created an appropriate opportunity for bilateral interactions.
Kabiri has also announced plans to launch a direct or indirect flight between Kish and Makhachkala in 2025. He said the measure could create new link routes to attract tourists to Kish Island.
Pointing to a joint meeting with a delegation of the Dagestan government, he said that a good agreement has been reached between the two parties. By the end of the spring season, it has been decided that concrete proposals will be presented by the parties to begin tourism cooperation, he added.
KD