ICHHTO head: Iran regards China as its strategic partner

Vice President and Head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization Ruhollah Ahmadzadeh Kermani on Tuesday said the Islamic Republic of Iran regards China as its strategic partner. He made the remark in a meeting with a group of businessmen in charge of tourism industry as well as media persons in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea. President Ahmadinejad has called for expansion of all out relations and cooperation between the two countries, he said, adding that Iran regards the success and developments of China as its own. The West is now promoting Iranophobia and Chinaphobia to attain its sinister goals, he said, adding that it is among the duties of Iranian and Chinese media persons and officials to deepen relations between the two nations. Tourism industry is the second most important field after oil and petrochemical industries in the world, he said, adding that Iran\'s position in terms of tourism growth is above the average rate. “We believe in exchange of views between the East and West in the area of civilization and culture,” he said. The Islamic Republic of Iran, China and India can properly demonstrate the cultural capabilities of the East, he said. Iran and China should bolster each other\'s capabilities in tourism industry to help their nations attain their lofty goals, he said. He also asked the two sides\' tourism agencies to study expansion of bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues to this effect. He called for holding of Iran-China joint cultural week while underlining the significant role of media in the decision making of their public opinions. A clear protocol on promotion of tourism industry between the two countries should be drawn up, he said. Ruhollah Ahmadzadeh Kermani delivered a keynote speech at the ministerial meeting of the 19TH session of General Assembly of UNWTO, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea on Tuesday.