Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have expressed interest in restoration and conservation of historical monuments in Iraq and Syria. They also have shown enthusiasm in conducting integrated tours and exchange of handicrafts.
Ancient cultural heritage sites in Iraq and Syria have been ravaged by the members of the so-called Islamic State — also known as Daesh or IS — after the terrorist outfit started a cruel and deadly war on the two nations in 2014.
During a meeting with Azeri Tourism Minister Abolfazl Qarayev, Iran’s top tourism official Masoud Soltanifar said facilitation of visa requirements would benefit the travel industry in the two neighboring countries, according to ISNA.
“Organizing tours between the two nations will help strengthen bilateral ties,” said Soltanifar, who heads Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.
The official was in the Azeri capital Baku to attend the Seventh Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (April 25-27).
Iran has expressed its readiness to UNESCO to help safeguard valuable artifacts in Syria and Iraq until the IS is degraded and defeated, and also “repair, restore and preserve” endangered cultural heritage sites in the two ancient Arab countries.
