Hakimi, Turkmen Ambassador Discuss Enhancing Tourism Cooperation

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Admin and Finance of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Abdul Bashir Hakimi, met Khoja Ovezov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kabul on Tuesday, and both sides discussed development of bilateral relations, particularly in tourism sector.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister of Tourism provided detailed information on the activities of the Ministry of Information and Culture in tourism sector and called for more cooperation between the two countries, mainly in areas of tourism and holding of joint cultural programs.

Hinting at Turkmenistan’s vital projects for Afghanistan, the Deputy Minister said that the neighboring country has always extended political, cultural and economic supports for Afghanistan in difficult situations.

Hakimi also emphasized on strengthening cultural programs and celebrating cultural and national days in the two countries, saying that after the oil and gas industry, tourism is one of the most lucrative sectors in the world.

Hinting at shared cultural and historical values, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kabul called bilateral relations at a high level, adding that his country was ready to do more for development of cultural and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Recalling his recent meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Information and Culture and the country’s readiness to repair the Tomb of Sultan Hussein Bayqara in Herat province, Khoja Ovezov stressed the importance of signing a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation in the cultural and tourism sectors.

The Turkmen ambassador pointed at his country’s tourist attractions and assured Turkmenistan’s cooperation in the cultural and tourism sectors with Afghanistan.

During the meeting, the Turkmen ambassador also said that his country would celebrate its 30th Independence Anniversary and that Afghan artists would also be invited to participate in the celebration.

Kabul (BNA)