Cultural and business exchanges between Russia and Iran may become more accessible, Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov told journalists. On May 19 a memorandum of understanding in the sphere of tourism was signed between Russia and Ali Azgar Shalbafian, the minister of cultural heritage, tourism and crafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The signing took place during the XIV International Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2023".

"Today another step was made to develop a strategic partnership between the countries in tourism. We have agreed all the details. I am sure that the tourist flow will only increase, and we will dynamically cooperate in all spheres," Vakhrukov said.

Already now there is a list of tour operators in both countries. This summer visa-free group tours will start. By the end of June a system of electronic visas will be launched, Vakhrukov said.

"We see an opportunity to invest in the tourism sphere in Iran and possibly interest Iranian tour operators to organize business with Russia. Iran, for example, has a year-round sea resort," - said the deputy head of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

Chairman of the State Tourism Committee of the Republic of Tatarstan Sergey Ivanov said that there are direct flights from Kazan to Tehran, which will run twice a week. According to him it's "a symbolic beginning of Tatar-Iranian relations. Now tourists from Tatarstan and neighboring regions may visit Iran, flying from Kazan. Visas can be applied for at the airport. Also the republic expects big inflow of tourists from Iran.

Last year more than 22 thousand Russians visited Iran, while in 2021 3.9 thousand Russian citizens visited the country. Russia was visited by more than 20 thousand Iranians.