Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Iran Bakhodir Abdullayev took part in the 5th meeting of the ministers of tourism of member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in Ardabil (Iran) on 5 October.

As a result of the event, the Ardabil Declaration was adopted, which included points related to Uzbekistan, Dunyo news agency reports.

It, in particular, notes the adopted documents within the framework of the 4th meeting of the ministers of tourism of the ECO member states held under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan on 13 December 2022 and the positive results of the implementation of the “Road Map” for rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, safe and stable development of tourism spheres in the ECO.

In addition, the city of Shakhrisabz of Uzbekistan was chosen as the tourism capital of the ECO in 2024.

Uzbekistan was also grateful for the initiative to host the 25th session of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Samarkand in 2023. It was emphasized that this is undoubtedly a favorable opportunity not only for Uzbekistan, but also for the entire region.

As part of the event, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan met with the Governor of Ardabil, Seyed Hamed Ameli. At the meeting, an exchange of views took place on the issue of ensuring the implementation of agreements reached during high-level dialogues, in particular the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Tehran on 18 June 2023 and the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ibrahim Raisi to Samarkand on 14-16 September 2022. Historical ties between Ardabil and Shakhrisabz were noted, it was proposed to establish twinning ties between these cities and develop economic, tourism and cultural cooperation between them. The issue of establishing direct flights between the regions of Uzbekistan and the city of Ardabil was also discussed.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan also met with the management of Iranian companies Rahan Sazeh Consulting Engineers, Proheal and a number of tourism structures.

During the meetings, representatives of Iran’s tourism sector were invited to an investment forum, including events planned to be held in Samarkand on 16-20 October 2023 as part of the 25th session of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).