TEHRAN – Iran is calling on the Chinese government to move aimed at deepening bilateral cultural and tourism ties to raise visa requirements for Iranian citizens who want to visit China.
The proposal was presented at the Ministerial Conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Culture and Tourism (SCO) held in Qingdao, and at the meeting designated as the SCO Tourism and Culture Capital from 2024-2025.
Hojatra Ayubi, senior adviser to the Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, reported on Monday along with Gao Chang, the deputy minister of culture and tourism in China, and a Chinese official.
Iranian officials stressed that Iran had already taken the initiative by unilaterally waiving tourist visa requirements for Chinese citizens, and now expect mutual gestures from Beijing.
“In today’s world, saturated with fake news and distorted expressions, direct experience and travel are the most effective ways for nations to truly understand each other,” Ayubi says, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections through cultural tourism.
However, the news agency did not specify the exact date of the meeting.
Emphasizing the deep historical and civilized connections between Iran and China, Ayubi described the two countries as heirs to ancient Asian culture rooted in spirituality, rationality and art.
He further emphasized that such shared heritage status sets both nations as important players that shape the future global order based on culture and wisdom.
Furthermore, Iranian delegations proposed many strategic initiatives to enhance cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Among them were alternating exhibitions held in Tehran and Beijing. A large scale exhibition of ancient Iran, China. Mutual visits and interactions of poets, writers, musicians and artists. Co-produced cultural documentary. Educational cooperation in areas such as heritage restoration, museums, traditional medicine, and academic exchange programs.
Also at the meeting, Ayubi proposed the establishment of a Joint Cultural Committee to pursue bilateral projects and ensure regular follow-up.
As Mehr reported, the Chinese delegation warmly welcomed the proposal. Deputy Minister Gao praised Iran’s participation in the SCO event and expressed his support for stronger cultural cooperation. He confirmed that the current exhibition of artifacts at the Iranian Museum in China attracted a huge public interest with over 70,000 visitors every day.
GAO has announced that China will invite Iran to take noticeably participate in China’s annual tourism exhibition and will be preparing for China to send cultural, cinematic, educational and artistic delegations to Iran. He also expressed his enthusiasm for further cooperation through an international cultural platform.
In 2019, the Iranian government unilaterally waived visa requirements for Chinese citizens who are willing to visit the country. The decision was made to attract more foreign tourists to the ancient country.
morning