Syrian-Iranian Tourism Memorandum of Understanding Signed

DAMASCUS, (ST) _ The Ministry of Tourism and the Iranian Hajj Organization yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding provides for cooperation in religious tourism and exchanging visitors between the two countries, at Dama Rose Hotel.

The memorandum states coordination with authorities concerned to improve the quality of services in religious places, and border centers in Syria and to provide the appropriate conditions for ensuring Iranian visitors, stay, movement and protection in Syria.

In a statement to SANA following the signing ceremony, minister of tourism Bisher Yazigi stressed “the will of both parties to build the foundations for launching tourism between the two countries,” pointing out that the memorandum ensures the return of visitors to Syria via air and land crossings.

For his part, chairman of the Iranian Hajj Organization Saeed Aouhawi confirmed “that the visit of Iranian delegation is an evidence that Syria is approaching victory for the Syrian people ” pointing out that the great victory Iran achieved in its nuclear program has opened a big gate to reactivate relations with other countries.

“Before the crisis, number of Iranian visitors to Syria reached one million,” the Iranian official said, adding that the memorandum seeks to increase the number and a joint committee will be formed to follow up the implementation of the agreement.

The agreement provides for stimulating tourists and visitors offices licensed in both countries, developing special programs religious sites visits, improving services rendered to visitors and addressing obstacles hindering them.

The memorandum will be valid for five years to be automatically renewable for other five.

Tomader Fateh