Iran and Cyprus should invest in tourism, business
February 27, 2009 - www.financialmirror.com
Tourism and business ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Cyprus are expected to increase and get closer when direct flights between the two countries are established, according to Iran’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Ali Reza Bikdeli.
“The two nations enjoy very close relations on political issues and we consider Cyprus as our closest EU member, which is why I’m confident that the establishment of direct flights will significantly help boost bilateral relations in the field of tourism and business,” Bikdeli told the Financial Mirror in an exclusive interview.
Bikdeli is also confident that following the signing of a bilateral treaty on avoidance of taxation between the two countries, there will be increased interest among Iranian businesspeople to come to Cyprus and for Cypriots to visit Iran in order to come into contact with potential customers in Iran.
The volume of trade between the two nations is very low, at only EUR 7 mln in 2008, but Bikdeli is confident that with the implementation of the avoidance of double taxation agreement and the establishment of direct flights, a new chapter will open between Iran and Cyprus.
Tourism
Iran’s Ambassador estimates that currently 6,000 people from Iran visit Cyprus every year, with very few Cypriots visiting Iran.
“With direct flights and accelerated and simplified procedures on visa applications, we can boost the number of Iranians visiting Cyprus to 12,000 in the first year and easily 24,000 the second year.”
Iran, with its rich and diverse culture, history and attractions is viewed by the ambassador as an ideal place for Cypriots to visit.
Bikdeli said there is a big misconception among Cypriots and Europeans in general about the situation in Iran and its people.
“Until people visit Iran, they are mostly reserved, but after the first visit, they fall in love with the place, its people, the rich culture and way of life,” he said, referring to many Cypriots who want to return many times more after their first trip.
http://www.financialmirror.com/News/Cyp ... News/14245
In almost 1 week time, Christofias visited 2 anti-American countries; Serbia and China and now his government seeks comprehensive bilateral cooperation with Iran. It's not something surprising to me but I wonder how these kind of realtions of current "RoC" government will affect local political life of GC community and US Cyprus policy. It seems 2009 will be a very exciting year for Cypriots.
