Latest news with #RezaSalehiAmiri
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Can Tourism Help Revive Egypt-Iran Relations?
Iran has reiterated its desire to strengthen ties with Egypt, expressing hope for a memorandum of understanding to facilitate tourism between the two countries. While analysts say tourism could serve as a key channel for reviving relations, they stress that Cairo remains committed to a cautious, gradual approach in its dealings with Tehran. Speaking to Iran's official IRNA news agency on Monday, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri said bilateral talks have been held to resume relations with Cairo, adding that the government's strategy aims to 'reopen the path to Egypt'. 'Egypt, with its population of 115 million, has immense cultural, heritage and religious potential,' Amiri said. 'There is a genuine interest among Egyptians in developing ties with Iran, and both governments have the political will to move forward'. He emphasized the importance of establishing formal diplomatic relations, noting that 'significant steps have already been taken and there are no major obstacles to expanding tourism.' Amiri said Tehran is eager to sign a tourism-focused memorandum of understanding with Cairo. 'The first round of talks has been held, and the negotiations are set to continue,' he said, calling for 'the removal of any remaining hurdles'. Amiri pointed to a recent visit to Cairo by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, saying the groundwork had been laid for building diplomatic and tourism ties. 'With the foreign minister's presence and efforts, political relations will resume, and that will pave the way for deeper cultural engagement'. Araghchi visited Egypt earlier this month and met President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. In a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Araghchi described the talks as unprecedented and constructive, highlighting 'an advanced path toward cooperation and convergence'. He said the two sides had agreed to maintain political consultations and work on boosting trade and tourism. Abdelatty announced the launch of a new channel for political dialogue below the ministerial level to address various aspects of the relationship. Amiri said Iran has invited Egyptian private sector companies to participate in large-scale tourism projects and voiced Tehran's readiness to facilitate air and land travel, including joint historical and religious tours. He called for activating joint hotel and tourism ventures under strategic agreements between the two nations. Huda Raouf, a political science professor and head of the Iranian Studies Unit at the Egyptian Center for Thought and Strategic Studies, told Asharq Al-Awsat that 'tourism is one of the sectors with the most potential for a breakthrough in Egypt-Iran ties, especially with Iran's interest in religious tourism'. But she added that Cairo remains cautious. 'While Egypt is open to dialogue with Iran on several files, it is taking a deliberate and measured approach to deepening relations.' Raouf noted that Egypt is in contact with Iran on key regional issues, including Red Sea security and the Gaza Strip, but is proceeding 'with calculated steps'. She said full normalization would only come 'at a time aligned with Egypt's national interests'. She also pointed out that the easing of entry procedures for Iranian tourists currently applies only to South Sinai. In March 2023, Egypt announced a package of measures to boost foreign tourism, including a provision allowing Iranian tourists to obtain visas upon arrival at airports in South Sinai. The plan, which required tourists to travel in organized groups and through pre-coordinated tour operators, was welcomed by Tehran at the time. Former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Hussein Haridy told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iran's push to promote religious tourism in Egypt is not new. 'Cairo continues to adopt a gradual approach to building ties with Tehran,' he said. 'Developing political and diplomatic relations will have a spillover effect on other areas,' Haridy added, but cautioned that progress will unfold at a pace suitable to both sides. He linked any acceleration in bilateral engagement to the outcome of ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations. This is not the first time Iran has sought to establish tourist links with Egypt. Between 2011 and 2013, similar efforts were made but failed to yield results. The two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1979, with limited relations restored in 1990 at the chargé d'affaires level. Over the past two years, Egyptian and Iranian ministers have held multiple meetings to explore avenues for improving ties. Ambassador Rakha Ahmed Hassan, another former Egyptian assistant foreign minister, said tourism may be the easiest entry point for broader engagement. 'There have already been discussions about launching direct flights between the two countries,' he said. 'There is no fundamental reason preventing a closer relationship'. Hassan highlighted Iran's interest in religious tourism and sites associated with the Prophet's family in Egypt. Araghchi's recent visit to Cairo included prayers at the historic Hussein Mosque and dinner at the iconic Naguib Mahfouz restaurant in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, accompanied by prominent Egyptian figures, including former foreign ministers Amr Moussa, Nabil Fahmy and Mohamed el-Orabi.
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.
