Iran ready to help expedite Silk Road revival: Soltanifar
Addressing the 6th UNWTO Silk Road Task Force Meeting in Urmiye, Soltanifar noted that the Silk Road has been a route for political, cultural and tourism between Asia and Europe over the centuries, and has encouraged development for many countries.
Iran, as the descendant of ancient Persia and the centre of the Silk Road, has been a connecting link between East and West throughout history, he added.
The Iranian official further noted that over the years, the Silk Road has been a route for the exchange of goods between different countries and varied civilizations, but that unfortunately with the spread of terrorism and the existence of certain differences, certain controversies have emerged.
Soltanifar said that the promotion of friendship between different states and maintaining communication between countries requires increased intellectual and cultural efforts.
He called for the expansion of continental and international cooperation, and for ending disputes between countries in the coming decade.
The vice president said that the current meeting in Urmiye can be a tool to move away from conflicts and to promote humanitarian goals.
Soltanifar noted the Islamic Republic of Iran makes efforts to develop tourism, as well as economic, social and international potential among the Silk Road countries, in order to accelerate the process of reviving the Road and to encourage solidarity among the regional nations.
The three-day UNWTO Silk Road meeting is currently underway in Urmiye with representatives of UNESCO, the World Tourism Organization and delegates from more than 33 Silk Road countries participating.
