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Egypt Independent
08-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Iranian Tourism Minister talks boosting mutual tourism and Egypt's vital regional role in exclusive interview
Iran's Minister of Tourism and Culture Reza Salehi Amiri said that Egypt and Iran have entered a new phase of bilateral relations, following the historic meeting between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Iranian counterpart during the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation In this exclusive interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm, the minister explained that efforts are now underway to stimulate mutual tourism. Tehran aims to attract one million Iranian tourists to Egypt over the next five years, while efforts are underway to restore direct flights between Cairo and Tehran. The minister said that the most important features of tourism in Egypt are the pyramids, the Nile, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. He also praised Egypt's role in supporting Gaza and its efforts to stop the war, stressing that negotiations with the US on the nuclear issue are independent of the Gaza issue. Interview: How do you view bilateral relations between Egypt and Iran? Relations between Egypt and Iran are truly historic – both countries possess world-renowned civilizations that have stood the test of time. Though the relationship between the two countries has experienced its ups and downs, the current phase is developing well thanks to the wisdom and courage of its presidents. The visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his historic meeting with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi – during their participation in the D-8 Summit held in Cairo – was very fruitful and built upon many areas. Therefore, my visit to Cairo comes to consolidate the relationship between the two countries. We can thus say that the relationship between both countries has entered a new phase. Within my work there are serious steps between both countries to develop many areas, particularly within tourism and the economy. Is there a timeline for revitalizing tourism between the two countries in light of developing relations? Iran is prepared, and is currently working to finalize a memorandum of understanding to present to Egypt. The memorandum should cover all relevant measures in this area, including efforts to restore direct flights between Cairo and Tehran, which would greatly facilitate matters for tourists and investors. I believe that by the end of this year, we will witness tourism programs and the return of direct flights between the two countries. Upon my return to Tehran, I will meet with a representative from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to achieve this. We will also work to establish tourism agencies and companies. We have declared in Iran that this year is the year of 'investment,' both domestically and abroad, in accordance to an announcement from the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. You participated in the meetings of the D-8's Tourism and Culture Ministers. Are there any proposals regarding a common visa for these countries, similar to the Shingle visa? I have proposed working among the D-8 countries to do away with visa requirements. Iran has already abolished the requirements for approximately 33 countries, including Egypt. It is therefore of the utmost importance and necessity that we work to abolish visa requirements among member states, which would save costs for tourists and investors in these friendly countries. Are serious steps being made in dealing in local currencies, especially for BRICS countries? Yes, we are working on this. We want to see local currencies among D-8 countries, similar to our cooperation with BRICS. Tehran has no objection to developing this relationship and engaging with these countries in all economic, industrial, and medical tourism fields. In your opinion, what is the preferred destination for Iranian tourists, and what do you think of Egyptian tourists? The Pyramids and the Nile top the preferred tourist destinations for Iranian tourists, as will the Grand Egyptian Museum, a truly unique treasure trove that will create a boom in attracting tourists to Egypt. In addition, there is Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, as well as religious tourism, which includes the mosques of the Prophet's family. I have agreed with Egyptian Minister of Tourism Sherif Fathy, to write a memorandum of understanding to work in accordance with Egyptian and Iranian law and vision together. I also invited him to participate in a visit to Tehran in July. We aim to have about one million Iranian tourists visit in the next five years, equivalent to 200,000 tourists annually. Just as Egypt has its ancient Pharaonic civilization and antiquities that dazzle the world, Iran also has many tourist attractions such as Isfahan, Khorasan and more. What is your impression of Egypt? Egypt now boasts numerous new industrial and tourist cities, and has the infrastructure and roads that pave the way for it to occupy the top positions in global tourism, thanks to the efforts of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Furthermore, Egypt's people are great, its civilization is ancient, its history is celebrated, and its society is united. What are the components of tourism in Iran? We have approximately 43,000 historical monuments, 6,000 tourism companies, approximately 15,000 tour guides, and 455,000 tourist beds. The government has a program to double this number by constructing over 500 new hotels, and approximately 300 catering establishments have been registered with UNESCO. We also have 800 historical sites that have been converted into tourist attractions. While we currently receive around 7.5 million tourists annually, we have a plan to increase that number to approximately 12 million. Is there a three- or four-year tourism plan or program in place? Egypt is our priority in promoting tourism in the Arab region. Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as Russia and China, are also at the forefront. In your opinion, have the wars in the region affected tourism? Yes, this is true. Egypt and Iran therefore agree on the necessity of halting Israel's criminal war on the Gaza Strip, as well as its attacks on Yemen and, before that, Lebanon and Syria. Therefore, if this war were to cease it would only positively impact the economy and tourism, improve security and stability, and boost the safety of infrastructure. How do you view Egypt's efforts to stop the war on Gaza? Egypt has a major role to play in working to stop Israel's on the Gaza Strip, as it shoulders the Palestinian cause. From the very first moment the war broke out, Cairo has been relentless in exerting pressure and engaging in negotiations to end the war. It is the first line of defense for the people of Gaza. Iran appreciates Egypt's role, its support, and its assistance to the oppressed in Palestine. Egypt is truly the guarantor of regional and global stability, security, and peace. What of the resistance in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon? The resistance in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon are setting the most wonderful examples in defending their homelands and their lands. They are also avenging the blood spilt due to the arrogant Zionist occupation, which has violated everything and is only deterred by resistance which teaches it lesson after lesson, even if the price are innocent souls. Yet it is the only way to liberate their lands. Do you think the US is bargaining with Iran over the nuclear issue by using the pressure card on the resistance? First, Iran will spare no effort to assist any resistance movement that seeks to reclaim every inch of its territory and avenge its dignity. It does not treat the resistance as a business like the US does on many issues. Iran stands with the resistance and fully supports it. However, negotiations with Washington over the Iranian nuclear issue are far from a bargain or a withdrawal of support for the resistance in any country. Our goal in the negotiations is to lift US sanctions, while emphasizing that Tehran has no plan to acquire a nuclear bomb. I believe the indications surrounding the negotiations are positive.
Egypt Independent
06-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Tourism enriches understanding among peoples, says antiquities minister
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said that tourism is one of the key sectors that helps enhance broad understanding among peoples. He also called for stepping up efforts to enhance tourism integration among the countries of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, via launching joint initiatives, facilitating the movement of tourists, and investing in infrastructure, with a principal focus on sustainable and smart tourism practices. The tourism minister's remarks were made during a dinner banquet on Monday at the Grand Egyptian Museum, in honor of the tourism ministers and heads of delegations participating in the 4th D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Tourism cooperation, due to kick off in Cairo on Tuesday and within the framework of Egypt's current presidency of the organization from May 2024 to December 2025. During the gathering, the minister said that the tourism sector is a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and economic growth for member states. He further underlined that exchanging expertise among member states will open up broader horizons towards developing new tourism patterns, based on their common heritage and unique cultural diversity. In December 2024, Egypt hosted the 11th D-8 summit that was held in the New Administrative Capital. During the summit, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi opened the summit's activities and assumed Egypt's rotating presidency of the organization. The Developing-8, is an organization for development co-operation among Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. Azerbaijan was admitted to the organization as the 9th member on December 19, 2024.
See - Sada Elbalad
04-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Tourism Minister, D-8 Secretary-General Discuss Regional Co-op
Nada Mustafa - Ali Abu Dashish Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, met with Mr. Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, Secretary General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, and his accompanying delegation during their official visit to Egypt. The meeting comes as part of Egypt's hosting and presidency of the D-8 organization's meetings held in Cairo on May 5 and 6, which include the Senior Officials Meeting and the 4th Ministerial Meeting of Tourism Ministers from member states. Egypt currently holds the presidency of the organization from May 2024 until December 2025. The meeting was attended by Ms. Yomna El-Bahar, Deputy Minister, Eng. Ahmed Youssef, Assistant Minister for Strategic Affairs and Acting CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, and Ambassador Khaled Tharwat, Minister's Advisor for International Relations and Supervisor of the Department of International Relations and Agreements at the Ministry. Hazem Zaki, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Economic Organizations also attended the meeting. Fathy welcomed the Secretary General and his delegation, expressing his pleasure in Egypt hosting this significant event, which aligns with its current leadership of the organization. He emphasized the importance of the meetings in discussing ways to enhance cooperation between D-8 member states in the field of tourism, contributing to stronger regional and international collaboration in this vital sector and supporting the efforts of member countries to develop their tourism industries at all levels. For his part, Imam expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Egypt's efforts in preparing and organizing this important international event. The meeting also discussed the technical and logistical preparations for the upcoming meetings, including the agenda, discussion sessions, and key proposals to be addressed, which will later be incorporated into the official "Cairo Declaration" to be issued at the conclusion of the meetings. In addition, the discussions covered the details of the planned tourism program for ministers and senior officials attending the meetings, as well as the criteria and mechanisms for selecting the 'D-8 Tourism Capital.' It is worth mentioning that, Egypt hosted the 11th D-8 Summit in December last year in the New Administrative Capital, which was inaugurated by Egypt's President, who officially received the rotating presidency of the organization. The D-8 Organization currently includes nine member states: Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Egypt. The organization aims to enhance economic cooperation among its members and increase their contributions to the global economy. Its areas of cooperation include various sectors, particularly tourism. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
