Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim of the Republic of Iraq in Nairobi Meets the Kenyan Minister of Tourism

 Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Republic of Iraq in Nairobi, Counsellor Salma Kaddouri Jabber, has met the Kenyan Minister of Tourism, Mr Najib Balala, to enhance the bilateral relations and to discuss means of joint cooperation between Iraq and Kenya, , at the headquarters of the Kenyan Ministry of Tourism.

The Chargé d’Affaires expressed the depth of the bilateral and historic relations between the two friendly countries, affirming Iraq’s keenness to raise the level of cooperation between the two countries, open new horizons for investment and attract tourists from all over the world, especially religious tourism.

On his part, the Minister Balala commended the efforts exerted by the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities to find further opportunities for cooperation and facilities provided by the ministry, and by the Embassy in granting entry visas to Iraqi for Kenyan tourists to visit the holy shrines and archaeological and historical sites in Iraq, pointing to the possibility of considering displaying and attending cultural events in both countries.

The two sides discussed the possibility of providing facilities for cancellation of the entry visa to Kenya for the purpose of tourism, and it was agreed to organise mutual visits and establish workshops and joint programs to exchange experiences and training in the tourist and antiquities sector in both countries, where the Chargé d’Affaires explained that obtaining an entry visa to Kenya takes a long time, whether they are holders of diplomatic, service and ordinary passports, including employees, official delegations or tourists,  in this regard, the Minister promised to prepare a draft agreement in the field of tourism to be agreed upon in the near future and in the interest of the two countries, in addition to overcoming difficulties and providing facilities regarding the non-delay of granting entry visas to Iraqi tourists and businessmen wishing to visit Kenya for the purpose of tourism or investment in cooperation and coordination with the Kenyan Ministry of immigration being the authority responsible for granting entry visas to Kenyan territory, stating  that there are numbers of Iraqi businessmen visiting Kenya for the purpose of trade, investment and tourism. At the end of the meeting, souvenirs were exchanged that represent the civilization and heritage of the two friendly countries.