TEHRAN — In another step towards fostering stronger travel ties between Tehran and Riyadh, Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minster Ezzatollah Zarghami, welcomed Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Tehran, Abdullah bin Saud Al-Anzi, for discussions aimed at boosting tourism cooperation between the two neighboring states.

The meeting, held on Saturday in Tehran, saw positive remarks from Ambassador Al-Anzi, who emphasized that there are no obstacles to the development of tourism ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Recognizing the abundant potential in both countries, he expressed optimism about the prospects for increased tourism collaboration.

“Iran and Saudi Arabia are two neighboring and brotherly countries with abundant potential. These capacities can serve as an opportunity for boosting tourism between the two nations,” the envoy stated.

He further highlighted a recent visit to Qom, during which he explored pilgrimage sites and historical landmarks without encountering any issues, underlining the potential for seamless tourism cooperation.

“We traveled to Qom and visited the pilgrimage and historical places of the city and there were no problems,” he said, adding that Saudi Arabia is optimistic about tourism cooperation with the Islamic Republic.

Zarghami, for his part, emphasized the pivotal role that tourism can play in strengthening the newly restored diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. He noted the responsibilities of the tourism ministers from both nations in shaping the new era of bilateral cooperation.

“Tourism ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia bear significant responsibilities in the new era of bilateral relations,” Zarghami noted. He expressed hope that the appointment of the new Saudi ambassador to Iran would contribute to enhancing collaboration in the tourism sector.

This positive development comes after the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by a China-brokered deal after a seven-year hiatus.

As both countries explore avenues for increased tourism cooperation, this diplomatic pace holds the potential to not only boost cultural exchanges but also contribute to the economic development of the region.

The willingness of Iran and Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties in the tourism sector is seen as a positive sign of a renewed era of collaboration and understanding between the two nations.

Over the past couple of months, Tehran and Riyadh have exchanged signals to widen tourism cooperation, such as easing visa procedures and re-establishing routine direct flights.

AFM