HERAT CITY - The first-ever conference on promoting tourism, urban planning and preserving cultural heritage was held in Herat City, the capital of western Herat province, on Saturday.
Herat governor, acting information minister, state minister for tourism, deputy urban affairs minister, cultural activists and writers attended the conference.
The governor’s spokesman, Jilani Farhad, told Pajhwok Afghan News the participants exchanged ideas how to protect heritage sites and monuments.
President Ashraf Ghani in a video massage welcomed organizing the conference and said Herat province could play leading role in development of tourism and multi-dimensional development and stability of Afghanistan.
The president said heritage sites added beauty to cities and Herat was home tohad multiple historic sites that could draw tourists in a large number.
He further said: “Herat is central to transit trade in the region. The growing urbanization of Herat city is pride for Herat and Afghanistan.”
Governor Mohammad Asif Rahimi said the conference would focus on how to protect heritage sites though legal and possible ways.
He thanked international organisations and countries for cooperation with the Afghan government in rehabilitation of historic sites. The conference would continue until evening and a joint statement would be issued at the end. (Pajhwok)