Iran lifts ban on tourism visits to Turkey

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Qasemi added that Iranian tour and travel agencies can dispatch the country’s tourists to Turkey after taking all matters into consideration and preparing the necessary grounds in cooperation with the Turkish side.

He added that Turkey had asked Iran to resume sending tourists to the country as it regards Iranians as among the best visitors, adding that the Turkish government has promised to ensure the security of the Iranians.

Qasemi, however, emphasized that the lifting of the ban on Iranian travel agencies and institutions would not obviate their responsibility to provide due services for the country’s tourists, adding that they must take necessary measures to provide the safety of Iranians.

Iran put a ban on Iranian travel agencies to organize trips to Turkey due to security concerns following the failed July 15 coup attempt in the country.

On the night of July 15, a faction of the Turkish military declared itself in charge of the country. Tanks and helicopters were used by the renegade military personnel to fight government loyalists on the streets of the capital, Ankara, and the most populous city of Istanbul.

However, the coup attempt was suppressed as people turned out on the streets to support the incumbent government.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday paid an official day-long trip to Ankara in the first visit by a high-ranking Iranian dignitary to Turkey since the failed coup attempt.

The top Iranian diplomat held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu about key bilateral, regional and international issues. Zarif also attended a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart.

Iran was the first country to condemn the failed putsch in Turkey.

/SR