Green light for Iranian tourists wishing to visit Turkey

By Azernews

By Gunay Hasanova 

Iranian tourists will be able to visit Turkey again since the authorities are abolishing the travel ban imposed on visits to Turkey after a military coup attempt of July 15.

Iranian travel agencies will resume the sale of tours to Turkey on August 22 after the removal of the ban imposed due to the military coup attempt, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the ISNA agency.

"Some companies are already selling tours to Istanbul, but the official sale will begin on August 22," said Behrouz Seferi, Head of the  Association of  Iranian Travel Agencies, Day.Az reports.

The July 15 coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,000 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Previously, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran is ready to resume the flow of tourists to Turkey after the failed military coup attempt in the country.

“The attempt of a military coup had little effect on the flow of tourists from Iran to Turkey," he said.

Turkish-Iranian bilateral relations are evolving on the basis of the principles of non-interference in domestic affairs, mutual respect and good-neighborliness. Efforts are made to further enhance the political dialogue both on bilateral and regional issues, through reciprocal visits and mechanisms such as High Level Cooperation Council and joint commissions in different sectors.

Trade turnover between Turkey and Iran amounted to $2.9 billion in 1Q 2016. The figure was $9.76 billion in 2015.