Easier Travel, Visa Processes to Boost UAE-Iran Tourism, Says Ambassador Ameri

After the position was left vacant for seven years, it was filled in June and the new Iranian ambassador Reza Ameri have focused on developing tourism and cooperation in economics between the UAE and Iran. Taking into consideration the words of Ameri, there is a political initiative coming from the leadership of the two nations that aims at developing the relations between the countries in a scope of developing tourism and cultural exchange. He stressed the steps taken by the two sides further to introduce the Iranian people with the Emirati laws and the Emirati people with the Iranian laws as to build a better understanding between the two countries.

When asked during an interview with Khaleej Times, Ameri was quick to point out that the two countries have agreed to set up a joint consular committee to deal with issues associated with visas and residency permits, as well as banking problems. He assured that given more talks these problems could be solved and underlined the necessity of harmonising the relations in facilitating the concerns of easier travels and business as the country comes out from years of sanctions.

Ameri while revealing an array of similarities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Arab Emirates, emphasized that the two nations share the same culture since both are Iranic states and are Islamic. He said that there are nearly 5,00,000 Iranians living in the UAE today and more than 5,000 Iranian companies are functioning in the United Arab Emirates, which creates a strong rope between the two countries.

Future opportunities for cooperation are enormous, according to Ameri especially in hi-tech sectors like nano technology, Artificial Intelligence, and pharmaceutical. In this context he highlighted the envisaged consular and economic committees, new treaties and Memorandums of Understanding of the relevant spheres. Ameri also let out more information regarding the privileges provided by Foreign Investment Law of Iran and added that Iran is ready to provide information, consultation and all the required facilities to the Emirati investors.

Ameri further called for the development of the strategic trade route from south to the north of Iran for distributing Emirati products in the GCC, Turkey and the rest of EU, revealing Iran as a secure market and transit hub.

Holding 40 years experience in Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Ameri is fully aware of the relations between two countries and their cultures and tries to employ his knowledge to increase the cooperation between the UAE and Iran.