Iran, Egypt Open New Chapter in Tourism Ties

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts said on Monday that Tehran and Cairo have entered a “new and strategic phase” of cooperation in tourism, signaling a shift in relations between the two regional heavyweights. Speaking to reporters upon arrival in Cairo for the 4th D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Tourism, Reza Salehi Amiri said the fresh momentum in Iran-Egypt ties stems from a recent high-level meeting between the countries’ presidents, IRNA reported.

“A new chapter has opened,” he noted, adding that tourism now stands at the heart of this budding relationship. “The goal is to move beyond general diplomacy and tap into areas where mutual interests can be pursued in a targeted and strategic way,” he said. The minister emphasized that boosting people-to-people exchanges through tourism would strengthen broader economic and cultural ties. The visit follows last year’s meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. It marked a turning point after decades of diplomatic strain. Since then, both sides have been working to rebuild trust and identify common ground, particularly in cultural and historical sectors.

Salehi Amiri highlighted the deep civilizational roots shared by the two nations. Calling Egypt “a pioneer of Islamic and Arab civilization,” he said Iranian tourists are eager to explore its heritage. In turn, he noted Iran’s UNESCO-listed treasures could offer Egyptian visitors a glimpse into its “unmatched cultural depth.”

“The potential is enormous,” he said. “It’s time we show the world what unites us.” The Iranian minister also underlined the role of media and academia in fostering public awareness. “We need to get the word out—through national media, social platforms, and cultural figures,” he said. Salehi Amiri’s visit to Cairo, made at the official invitation of the Egyptian government, also includes side meetings with tourism ministers from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other D-8 nations. The D-8, or Developing-8, is an organization of eight Muslim-majority countries promoting economic and cultural cooperation.

This year’s summit runs May 5-6 and features participation from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, and others. One key topic is Egypt’s recent move to officially allow Iranian tourists to visit—a decision viewed by Tehran as a potential “turning point” in bilateral ties. Discussions on how to operationalize the policy are expected to take place on the sidelines of the summit. - Iran Daily