Tourism Minister Advocates for Stronger China Relations with Pezeshkian’s Vision

In recent developments aimed at enhancing cultural ties between Iran and several Asian nations, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi-Amiri, has conveyed a significant message from President Masoud Pezeshkian to Chinese President Xi Jinping. This message highlights the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fields of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts.

The communication was delivered during a meeting with Sun Yeli, China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, held on the sidelines of the 2nd General Assembly and 3rd Council Meeting of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia (ACHA), which took place from November 26 to 29 in Chongqing, China, according to reports from IRNA.

Salehi-Amiri stated, “I am carrying Dr. Pezeshkian’s message for you and for the President of China. The President of Iran emphasizes that our economic, political, and cultural relations are already strong, and this strength should also be reinforced in the areas of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts. The expectation of the Islamic Republic of Iran is that our cultural cooperation will move into a practical and more deeply developed phase.”

He further noted that both countries’ culture ministries possess substantial capabilities to enhance these ties. He emphasized that Iran’s sustainable security and tourism potential could serve as a foundation for deeper collaboration.

As part of a strategy to bolster cultural partnerships, he proposed the establishment of an Asian framework for heritage cooperation aimed at enhancing the region’s soft power. Salehi-Amiri also expressed Iran’s willingness to collaborate with China on museum technologies and artificial intelligence to showcase Iran’s rich cultural heritage more effectively. He suggested that 2026 be recognized as the Year of Cooperation in various cultural sectors, marking the 55th anniversary of official relations between Iran and China.

Additionally, the minister extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to participate in the upcoming Tehran International Tourism Exhibition scheduled for February, along with the Nowruz celebrations, which will include participation from 13 countries.

In response, Sun Yeli expressed strong support for Iran’s initiatives, emphasizing the potential for expanded cooperation in tourism and cultural exchange.

Strengthening Ties with Tajikistan

During a separate meeting with Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, Salehi-Amiri reiterated the importance of cultural cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan. The two sides discussed the preservation of their shared heritage and the expansion of research and tourism interactions. Salehi-Amiri remarked, “Based on the President’s emphasis, cooperation with Tajikistan is our priority, and we are happy that today the opportunity has been provided to open a new chapter in cultural relations between the two countries.”

At the beginning of their meeting, he formally invited Sattoriyon to attend the Nowruz celebration in Tehran and mentioned plans to invite cultural ministers from Nowruz region countries to elevate the festivities to a summit level in the coming years.

Highlighting the five shared intangible heritages of Iran and Tajikistan recognized by UNESCO, he described these elements as civilizational capitals, stating, “Each of these heritages acts as a cultural connection between the two nations, and a plan should be made for their joint preservation and introduction.” He also underscored the necessity of protecting manuscripts, historical documents, and endangered monuments, proposing a joint mechanism for heritage preservation at the summit.

If agreed upon, regular meetings could be established at various ministerial and specialized levels to enhance practical cooperation, including the restitution of artifacts and joint world registration efforts.

Salehi-Amiri announced Iran’s readiness to share its restoration knowledge with Tajikistan, asserting that Tajikistan’s success in heritage preservation would also signify a victory for Iran.

He mentioned the Cultural Heritage Ministry’s Research Institute, which comprises five research institutes and 400 expert researchers, proposing to hold the first specialized conference on cultural heritage, manuscripts, archaeology, linguistics, and inscription reading between Iran and Tajikistan in Tehran, with a second round in Dushanbe.

On tourism cooperation, he noted, “We have not placed any restrictions on expanding tourism exchanges with Tajikistan and have facilitated travel conditions by establishing a direct flight to Kish.”

In appreciation of Iran’s invitation to the Nowruz celebration and the joint cultural meeting, the Tajik Minister of Culture stated, “Iran and Tajikistan are two nations and one culture. We have a common language, common roots, and common understanding, and this is a great asset for the future of our cooperation.”

She further acknowledged the Tajik President’s emphasis on strengthening relations with Iran, expressing readiness to initiate the first meeting of the Joint Cultural Commission during her forthcoming official visit to Tehran.

Sattoriyon also highlighted the global registration of the Cyrus Cylinder and its significance in cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the need to combat cultural threats while benefiting from the cultural research institutes of both countries.

Collaboration with the Maldives

In another significant meeting, Salehi-Amiri engaged with Adam Nasir Ibrahim, Maldives Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage, during the ACHA assembly in Chongqing. He asserted Iran’s civilizational importance and its vast potential for mutual cooperation. Salehi-Amiri noted, “Iran has more than one million identified historical monuments, thousands of which have been nationally registered. So far, 29 tangible and 26 intangible monuments have been registered on the UNESCO list, and we have prepared provisional registration files for 58 monuments.”

He spoke about Iran’s strategic priorities in developing marine-based tourism, highlighting that Iran, with its seven coastal provinces, has launched a national project focused on a sea-based economy. “This orientation aligns with the country’s macro policies, and we are ready to provide our scientific, research, and management experiences to the Maldives,” he stated.

Salehi-Amiri emphasized Iran’s significant scientific capacity in cultural heritage, mentioning that numerous experts in archaeology, restoration, Iranology, and cultural studies are actively engaged in the country. He expressed readiness to share this knowledge with the Maldives through joint courses, specialized training, and collaborative scientific projects.

Highlighting Iran’s prominence in the global handicrafts sector, he noted that out of 400 known handicrafts, 299 are produced in Iran. He proposed holding an Iranian handicrafts exhibition in Male, the capital of the Maldives, as a potential starting point for renewed cultural and artistic cooperation between the two nations.