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Iran ‘one of the safest’ countries for travel: Hungarian envoy
Ambassador Gyula Petho, in talks with provincial officials, pushed back against travel advisories listing Iran as high-risk, Tasnim News Agency reported.
He called such rankings misleading, saying they are “only based on the region’s general climate” and do not reflect conditions in Iran, which he described as “one of the safest countries.
The meeting took place as part of plans to deepen ties between Hungary and Yazd, particularly in education and tourism.
Petho said the Hungarian Embassy’s economic attaché would “actively pursue” these connections.
Hungary hosts more than 3,000 Iranian students, Petho noted, and plans to offer 100 full scholarships annually.
Many graduates, he said, become “honorary ambassadors” for Hungary back home.
He also praised Yazd University as a key academic partner and announced plans to meet its leaders and members of the local Chamber of Commerce during upcoming visits.
This year marks 100 years since Hungary and Iran formally established diplomatic relations. Petho described the milestone as “a timely opportunity” to expand academic, economic, and tourism ties.
Yazd Governor Mohammadreza Babaei echoed that view, saying the province was eager to boost direct ties with foreign countries, including Hungary. He cited Yazd’s deep historical and cultural appeal, calling it a “natural match” for European visitors.
Babaei criticized Iran’s inclusion in red-listed travel warnings, calling it “unfair” and a deterrent to would-be tourists. “Many Hungarian travelers who visited Yazd brought up this very issue,” he said. “It doesn’t reflect the peace and calm of our cities.”
He urged both sides to “find a solution” and remove such barriers to tourism.