Iran and Egypt Open New Chapter in Strategic Tourism Cooperation

TEHRAN (Iran News) The announcement came ahead of the fourth D-8 (Developing-8) Ministerial Meeting on Tourism, held in Cairo on May 4–5. Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in the Egyptian capital, Minister Salehi Amiri emphasized the Iranian government’s commitment to strengthening economic, cultural, and especially tourism ties with Egypt.

“This visit aims to expand our collaborations in specialized and strategic areas that benefit both nations,” said Salehi Amiri. He underscored that following the landmark meeting between the presidents of Iran and Egypt last year, a new chapter in bilateral relations has begun, with tourism identified as a key sector for mutual development.

Salehi Amiri highlighted Egypt’s historical and cultural importance in the Islamic and Arab world, noting that its vast civilizational heritage holds great appeal for Iranian tourists. “Iranians are eager to experience Egypt’s rich religious and historical legacy firsthand, and this presents a unique opportunity to deepen cultural and tourism exchanges,” he said.

On the other hand, the Iranian minister pointed to Iran’s extensive cultural heritage, with numerous UNESCO-listed sites, as an attractive destination for Egyptian travelers. “Iran’s wealth of historical and cultural treasures can help foster stronger ties and increase the flow of tourists between our two countries,” he added.

The minister also stressed the vital role of media and digital platforms in promoting tourism. He called for the effective use of national media and social networks, as well as collaboration among intellectual and cultural elites, to showcase each country’s tourist attractions and stimulate mutual interest.

Salehi Amiri further elaborated on Iran’s broader vision of cultural diplomacy, saying the administration, particularly with strong backing from President Ebrahim Raisi, is pursuing active tourism engagement with countries across the Islamic world, with Egypt being a priority. “We are committed to utilizing every available channel to build sustainable tourism partnerships,” he stated.

He also expressed optimism that Iran-Egypt relations, grounded in deep cultural and historical affinities, could serve as a model for successful cooperation within the Islamic world.

During his stay in Cairo, Salehi Amiri is expected to hold bilateral meetings with tourism officials from Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. A key highlight of these talks is expected to be discussions with Egypt’s Minister of Tourism regarding the implementation of Egypt’s recent decision to officially grant entry permits to Iranian tourists — a move widely regarded as a potential game-changer in revitalizing people-to-people and cultural connections.

The visit, conducted at Egypt’s formal invitation, is part of Iran’s larger cultural diplomacy initiative and positions the country to take an active role in multilateral tourism frameworks such as the D-8. The summit brings together tourism ministers from eight major Muslim countries — Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Indonesia — to explore cooperative opportunities.

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, Minister Salehi Amiri was welcomed by Nasreen Osmanli, a senior advisor in Egypt’s tourism sector, and Mohammad Hossein Soltani-Fard, head of Iran’s Interests Section in Cairo.

As the keynote speaker at the summit, Salehi Amiri is expected to outline Iran’s strategic outlook on cultural synergy, heritage diplomacy, and the role of tourism in shaping a new regional order based on dialogue, mutual respect, and shared civilizational values.

This visit not only reinforces Tehran-Cairo cultural ties but could also signal the start of a transformative phase in regional cooperation, guided by trust, heritage, and intellectual exchange.