On the margins of the Third Arab Forum on Tourism Statistics, held in Baghdad on 21-23 September 2025, H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK met with H.E. Dr. Ahmed Fakak AL-BADRANI, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities of the Republic of Iraq.

The discussions centered on fostering closer cooperation to support the development of Iraq’s tourism sector, with particular emphasis on leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy. H.E. Dr. AL-BADRANI underlined Iraq’s willingness to revitalizing its tourism industry by safeguarding its ancient monuments and cultural assets, while simultaneously enhancing infrastructure to attract a wider range of international visitors.

H.E. SELÇUK commended Iraq’s enduring cultural and historical significance, noting its unique position as a cradle of civilization. She highlighted the role SESRIC can play in providing technical expertise, training programmes, and platforms for exchanging best practices among OIC countries. She further emphasized the importance of integrating reliable tourism statistics into national planning and policy frameworks, in order to enhance evidence-based decision-making and support sustainable growth of the sector.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of both sides to explore concrete avenues of partnership aimed at promoting Iraq’s cultural and tourism potential within the wider OIC community and beyond.