TEHRAN – In the framework of the development of tourism diplomacy and strengthening regional relations, Iran’s Deputy Tourism Minister Anuhilvan Moseni Bandopey met officials from Mexico and the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the 49th Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization in Segovia, Spain.
He studied the capabilities of Iran and the United Arab Emirates and Mexico for mutual cooperation, the IRNA reported Friday.
At an official meeting with UAE’s Minister of International Cooperation, Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Mohseni Bandpei studied ways to promote mutual cooperation in the tourism sector.
The two sides emphasized the civilized commonality, cultural and geographical affinity of both countries, and considered the neighbours of Iran and the United Arab Emirates as key points for developing people-people interactions, promoting tourism and deepening intercultural communication.
Moseni Bandopei has announced the complete preparation of the country to compile the joint tourism program in the form of special packages, art tours and exchanges of cultural groups, pointing to the unique possibilities of Iran’s health tourism, marine tourism, ecotourism, and traditional and contemporary art.
The United Arab Emirates Minister of International Cooperation welcomed the initiative proposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and called for the promotion of tourism ties between the two countries as a strategic need and effective measure of strengthening regional ties.
Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy expressed hope that by adopting an operational approach and co-programming, both countries will witness significant growth in mutual tourism, cultural and economic cooperation.
She presented a government-supported candidate plan for the position of executive director of the World Tourism Organization, urging Iran to support his candidacy in the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, a formal meeting between Mexican high-ranking tourism officials and Iranian delegations discussed the promotion of strategic cooperation in human power, branding and exchange tourism.
Mexican tourism officials have urged Iran to support Mexican candidates for the post of the UN WTO executive director.
Mohseni Bandpei, along with a delegation including the Ministry of Tourism’s International Affairs Centre and Hojjatollah Ayyoubi, who heads the Iranian ambassador in Madrid, visited the Mexican Minister of Tourism and senior officials to study the outlook for expanding cooperation on both sides of the tourism industry.
During the specialist meeting, both sides highlighted the potential capabilities of training professional human resources, promoting tourism brands, and cooperation in strengthening tourism markets between the two countries.
The Mexican side has expressed its readiness to transfer its knowledge and experience to Iran.
Referring to the historical depth and cultural richness of Iran and Mexico, Moseni Bandopey said that by relying on the background of ancient shared civilizations, it is possible to create a strong infrastructure for cultural proximity and strengthen diplomatic relations with people.
He said cultural and tourism collaboration is a missing link that opens new horizons to mutual connections and allows for the establishment of shared cultural experiences in a sustainable way.
Meanwhile, the Mexican tourism minister praised Iran’s Islamic Republic’s approach and made an official request to support Mexican candidates for his position as executive director of the World Tourism Organization.
The programme proposed by the Mexican candidate was first evaluated by an Iranian delegation, and it was decided that the programme will be studied in future specialized sessions.
KD