Zarif: The ACD conference is an opportunity to enhance tourism in Iran

The Strategic Deputy of the President described the use of tourism diplomacy as the best mechanism and means to enhance dialogue and cooperation with other countries. He considered the annual conference of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), chaired by Iran in Yazd, as a valuable opportunity to promote the country’s tourism and cooperation among member countries.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Strategic Deputy of the President, stated on the sidelines of the joint meeting of ambassadors from member countries of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD): “The Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) is a symbol of dialogue, and one of the best ways to engage in dialogue is through tourism.”

He continued: “Tourism is a practical mechanism for understanding each other and appreciating the opportunities that different cultures, civilizations, and countries have to offer.”

Zarif stated that tourism is a way to enrich each other in terms of cultural understanding and the understanding of the people of each country. He added, “This is not something that can be achieved through study or watching films, which is why tourism can be considered one of the best mechanisms, one of the best means, and pathways for enhancing dialogue and improving understanding and cooperation.”

He referred to the selection of Yazd as the capital of tourism for the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in 2024 and added, “Iran has a lot to say to tourists, but Yazd offers the best opportunities that Iran has in terms of tourism.”

Zarif, highlighting the capacities of Yazd, continued: “The diversity of cultures in Yazd is remarkable. According to Zoroastrians, Yazd is one of the early cradles of the Zoroastrian faith. In addition, we also have representatives of other religions in Yazd. Yazd is a city that offers both the desert and a civilization that has flourished on the edges of the desert; a city with famous buildings and squares.”

The Strategic Deputy of the President emphasized, “This is an opportunity for us to create a fresh start in our relations with other members of the international community, especially with other countries in our region in Asia.”

He concluded by expressing hope for the presence of tourism ministers from member countries at the annual forum, which will be held this year under Iran’s presidency in Yazd. He added, “I hope we can take advantage of this valuable opportunity to enhance tourism with all its cultural, civilizational, and economic benefits, and that we can initiate a new path and program for cooperation among ACD countries in the field of tourism.”