Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties was taken during a meeting between Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Fariddin Nasriyev.

The meeting, held at the minister’s office in Tehran, focused on enhancing cooperation in tourism, cultural heritage, and handicrafts.

Salehi-Amiri underscored the Iranian government’s strategic policy aimed at fostering closer relations with neighboring countries. “The foundation of this crucial path lies in the determined efforts of embassies and ambassadors,” he stated, highlighting the vital role of diplomatic initiatives in building stronger connections.

The minister recalled his recent discussion with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov, during which both parties agreed to sign a comprehensive memorandum of understanding. A key element of the agreement is the establishment of a joint technical tourism committee aimed at boosting tourist exchanges and deepening cultural ties between the two nations.

Salehi-Amiri presented several proposals to expand tourism cooperation, including increasing the frequency of flights between the two countries, initiating talks with Uzbek airlines, and fostering partnerships between Iranian and Uzbek travel agencies. He emphasized that these measures are essential for promoting mutual tourism and strengthening cultural ties.

He further pointed out the rich shared cultural heritage of Iran and Uzbekistan, citing six joint entries on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. These include Nowruz, the traditional musical instrument rubab, the art of illumination (tazhib), the tradition of Iftar, silk farming and weaving, and miniature painting.

The minister proposed organizing joint festivals to showcase these cultural bonds, suggesting that such events could serve as bridges to connect the peoples of both countries by highlighting their shared history and attractions.

“Increasing the number of tourists and strengthening people-to-people connections can lead to transformative changes in cultural and political relations,” he added.

In addition to tourism, Salehi-Amiri identified other potential areas of cooperation, such as joint archaeological excavations and restoration projects, development of medical tourism, joint handicraft exhibitions, and knowledge exchange between artisans.

Ambassador Nasriyev expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to facilitate the entry of Iranian travelers and supported the idea of establishing a joint technical tourism committee. He also showed optimism about fostering partnerships with Iranian travel agencies and airlines.

The meeting between Salehi-Amiri and Nasriyev marked a pivotal step in advancing regional integration and cultural diplomacy between Tehran and Tashkent.