Azernews.Az

By Aygul Salmanova

Azerbaijan, located in a southeast part of Transcaucasian region, and Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, seek to develop cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism.

Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfas Garayev received a delegation led by the governor of the Southern Sinai Province of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Khalid Fuda, who is on a visit to Baku.

Welcoming the guests, Abulfas Garayev stressed on the developing relations between the two countries. The minister noted that there is a positive impact on the development of cultural and religious ties between the two countries.

There are great opportunities for the development of cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism: "A number of projects have been implemented to develop cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Egypt. Days of mutual culture were also organized. Our citizens have a special interest in Egyptian culture."

Garayev spoke about the work carried out in the tourism industry in the country in recent years. He noted that rich culture, ancient history, high hospitality of Azerbaijani people, as well as the newly created tourist infrastructure, simplification of the visa system, will increase the number of tourists coming to the country.

"Now we are trying to attract more foreign tourists to our country. In this regard, we must use our opportunities sufficiently to increase mutual tourist visits to Egypt with great tourism potential. It is important for the implementation of mutual information and promotion projects. Opening of direct flights can also stimulate the development of mutual visits."

The Minister emphasized the importance of keeping the tourists' safety in the spotlight. He also invited Azerbaijani tourism organizations and companies to take part in the International Tourism and Travel Fair (AITF 2018), which will be held in April of the next year in the capital.

Khaled Fuda, in his turn, stressed the importance of further boosting relations between the two countries. The guest noted that there are great opportunities for expanding existing cooperation and friendly relations. He noted that they are ready to cooperate in order to increase mutual tourist visits. The governor underlined that opening of a direct flight to the Azerbaijani tourists in Sharm El-Sheikh, one of the world's most popular tourism centers, will also allow Egyptian tourists to relax in Azerbaijan more comfortable. The direct flights between Egypt and Azerbaijan will be important not only for tourism, but also for expansion of political and economic relations.

Fuda guaranteeing the security of tourists visiting the South Sinai Province, said that there is stability in the region and no danger to the lives of tourists exists. The guest expressed confidence in further strengthening of relations in the coming years.

Cairo and Baku enjoy relations which date back to centuries ago but since the last century they have developed closer contacts. Egyptians and Azerbaijanis have much in common: traditions, culture, customs, attitudes and religion.

Since Azerbaijan has gained its independence in 1991, the two countries have started building relations in the political, economic, cultural and educational spheres.

Tourism has traditionally played one of the most important places in Egypt's economy, and more than four million Egyptians are working in tourism sector, and almost 12 percent of the country’s GDP are revenue from tourism.

Over the past decade, the flow of tourists in Egypt has tripled from five to 15 million, and the accommodation capacity of resorts increased from 18,000 to 280,000, and another 250, 000 are prepared for commissioning.

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