IRNA – Iran Foreign Ministry has put high on its agenda tourism and cultural development diplomacy, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday.

Foreign Ministry attaches importance to the issue of tourism and considers it as playing a vital role in promoting cultural diplomacy, Araqchi said on the sidelines of a ceremony held on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, Norouz at the tomb of famous Iranian poet and the author of Shahnameh, Ferdowsi in Mashad.

Encouraging foreign tourists to visit the country, boosting the number of tourists and introducing the Iranian civilization and culture to the world are among priorities the Foreign Ministry will follow to achieve in the current Iranian year, he said.

In our bid to promote public diplomacy, we believe economic issues should be taken care of appropriately, the deputy Foreign Minister said.

Araqchi also referred to the celebration of Norouz in 12 other countries across the world.

Celebration of Norouz in other countries is a success for the Iranian culture, he said.