Premier holds talks with Iraqi minister of Tourism, Culture and Antiquities

DAMASCUS, Aug.1, (ST)-Prime Minister Hussein Arnous discussed on Monday with the Iraqi Minister of Tourism, Culture and Antiquities, Dr. Hassan Nazim, and the accompanying delegation, the ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, culture and antiquities, and the investment of their cultural and historical assets.

Arnous stressed the importance of historical relations and common ties and the need to draw up memorandums of cooperation that contribute to increasing tourism exchange and enhancing land transport and the flow of goods across borders.

The premier called for the establishment of joint tourism facilities through the business sector in the two countries and to work on activating medical tourism, as Syria has experience in this field, referring to the importance of activating mutual government visits to enhance cooperation and coordination in facing common challenges.

Arnous also stressed the importance of cooperation between Syria and Iraq in international forums related to  the tourism sector, preserving the monuments of the two countries, and restoring what was damagd by terrorism, because it represents a historical and civilized depth for the region and the world at large.

For his part, the Iraqi Minister clarified that work is being done jointly to strengthen partnerships in tourism sector and to increase the number of Iraqi tourists to Syria, as well as to hold more cultural events and joint exhibitions in the two countries, pointing out to the expansion of the executive program signed last year between the two countries to become an integrated tourism program.

Basma Qaddour