Officials attending "Iran and China tourism seminar" in Beijing yesterday agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation between two nations. 

China already announced Iran as tourism destination nation for Chinese tourists, which will enable two peoples to learn more about the ancient Silk Road, said Dr. Ali Rahimpour, director general of Supervision and Technical Standards of Iran Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization. 

Iran now started to consider special demands of Chinese tourists, such as opening more Chinese restaurants, training more Chinese tourist guides, Rahimpour said. 

China and Iran both have long history and splendid civilization. Two peoples also have long friendship. As developing nations, China valued to develop relations with Iran, said Liu Aizhong, counselor of West Asian and North African Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

As a thriving industry with huge potential, tourism played an important role in promoting economic growth and social prosperity, as well as mutual understanding of different peoples, Liu said, adding the new destination of Iran for Chinese people will further increase mutual exchanges. 

Iran will welcome Chinese tourists with its brilliant culture, ancient architecture, multiple religion and hospitable people. Both embassy in Beijing and consulate in Shanghai will provide more convenient visa procedure service for Chinese citizens. The five airports in Iran will issue one-week stay visa for tourists, without applying beforehand, said Ferydoun Verdi Nejad, Iranian ambassador to China. 

Iran Air launched direct flight to China 29 years ago. There are two weekly flights from Beijing to Teheran currently, said Fakhredin, general manager of the carrier in China.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2005)