Iran, Turkmenistan hold joint tourism event to boost cultural ties
The second Turkmen-Iranian Tourism Festival was held at the Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, with the aim of strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
The festival, which took place from October 22 to 24, was attended by high-ranking officials, including the head of the Tourism Department of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, Akiniyaz Agamuradov, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkmenistan, Navid Rassouli, Cultural attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan, and diplomats from various countries, as well as representatives of 23 tourism and handicraft companies from Iran and Turkmenistan.
The festival aimed to promote cultural exchange, tourism cooperation, and economic ties between Iran and Turkmenistan, and to strengthen the friendly relations between the two neighboring countries.
Agamuradov expressed his satisfaction with the growing tourism industry in Turkmenistan, which he attributed to the country’s rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, such as the ancient city of Nisa, the fortress of Dehistan, and the historical site of Merv.
He noted that the number of foreign tourists visiting these sites is increasing day by day.
Agamuradov also highlighted the importance of promoting Turkmenistan’s tourism potential worldwide and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries.
He mentioned that Turkmenistan is located on the ancient Silk Road and has been a crossroads of seven roads connecting East and West.
He emphasized that the country’s goal is to attract more foreign tourists and develop its tourism industry.
Rouzbehani emphasized the multifaceted nature of tourism, which not only promotes cultural exchange and understanding but also generates significant economic benefits.
He noted that the tourism industry is considered the largest service industry in the world, with over 1.5 billion international travelers and a revenue of over $2 trillion annually.
He also highlighted Iran’s rich cultural and natural attractions, including Persepolis, the city of Isfahan, and its diverse cultural heritage.
Rouzbehani expressed his hope that the festival would contribute to the growth of tourism cooperation between the two countries and promote people-to-people exchanges.
He noted that Iran and Turkmenistan have had a growing trend of cultural and tourism cooperation in recent years, including people-to-people exchanges, tourism exhibitions, and cultural events.
One of the directors of the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
He noted that culture has always been a bridge between people and that Turkmenistan and Iran have a long history of cultural exchange.
He emphasized the importance of cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions in promoting cooperation between the two countries.
He also mentioned that Turkmenistan has a rich cultural heritage, including historical sites such as Nisa, Dehistan, and Merv, as well as natural attractions.
He noted that Iran is famous for its cultural and historical sites, such as Persepolis and the city of Isfahan.
He expressed his hope that joint tourism programs could attract not only local tourists but also foreign tourists, contributing to the development of economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Rassouli emphasized the importance of tourism as one of the most important industries in the world, with significant economic and social benefits.
He noted that tourism is the largest service industry in the world, accounting for one-third of global service trade. He highlighted the growth of the tourism industry in both Iran and Turkmenistan, which have rich cultural and natural attractions.
Rassouli expressed his hope that the festival would promote cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries and contribute to the growth of tourism cooperation.
He noted that Iran and Turkmenistan have a common history, culture, and traditions, which could be showcased through joint tourism programs.
The first Turkmen-Iranian Tourism Festival was held in October last year. Visitors familiarized themselves with unique items of traditional folk crafts, handmade art products, national heritage, and modern trends of Turkmen and Iranian art masters.
The festival featured an exhibition of tourism companies from both countries, showcasing their capacities and potential. The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats from several countries, including Russia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Japan, Uzbekistan, Palestine, and Libya.