Iran suggested that the cancellation of a reciprocal visa with Turkmenistan

Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri on the sidelines of the Tourism Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Erzurum, Turkey, in an official interview with Turkmenistan’s Minister of Culture Attalardi Shahmradov, emphasized Tehran’s serious will to institutionalize a new stage of cultural, tourism and civilization relations with Ashgabat.

The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts met with his Turkmen counterpart held within the framework of the Eco Tourism Summit, referring to the profound and historical sharing of Iranian and Turkmen nations:

Cultural diplomacy can, as one of the most effective tools of civilization convergence, reinforce the platform for sustainable and future interactions between the two neighboring countries.

The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts presented the proposal and signature of a joint cultural cooperation document, adding:

This document can cover three key areas. First, scientific and research cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, which will be possible by utilizing the widespread capacity of the Iranian Cultural Heritage Research Institute and the presence of more than 5 experts in the areas of restoration, archeology, architecture and civilization studies. Second, the development of reciprocal cooperation in the field of tourism through the design and holding of cultural and tourism exhibitions in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Ashgabat. Third, cooperation in the field of handicrafts, which, given the rich cultural commonalities, could be one of the axes of cultural economic interactions.

Salehi Amiri emphasized the importance of revitalizing the historic route of the Silk Road as a king of civilization and cultural exchanges, saying:

Reconstruction of new Silk Road functions in the context of cultural diplomacy can strengthen the strategic ties of Iran and Turkmenistan.

He also proposed the creation of border markets and the cancellation of reciprocal visas as operational tools to facilitate human, cultural and economic communication, adding:

The Islamic Republic of Iran is canceled with more than 5 countries, and if Turkmenistan wishes, it is fully prepared to expand this process to Ashgabat.

Turkmenistan’s Minister of Culture Attalardi Shah Maradov also welcomed Iran’s plans and suggestions:

Turkmenistan is fully prepared to operate these proposals through official diplomatic routes.