** Iran Daily
-- Iran’s oil minister visits Venezuela to boost energy ties
Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji traveled to Venezuela to discuss ways to “strengthen energy relations” between the two friendly nations, according to the Latin American country’s foreign ministry.
In a statement, the ministry said Owji will meet Venezuelan officials and visit the facilities belonging to the state-run energy firm PDVSA.
-- Russia’s flag carrier sends Airbus A330 for repair to Iran
Russia’s largest airline Aeroflot has sent one of its Western-made jets to Iran for repair amid sanctions that prevent the company from obtaining spare parts or undergoing maintenance in the West.
Reuters cited a statement by Aeroflot which said that an Airbus A330-300 aircraft operated by the company had flied to Iran to receive maintenance.
“The maintenance of the Airbus A330 aircraft (in Iran) will be implemented by a provider for a wide range of work,” said the statement.
“The firm has all the necessary material resources, certificates and extensive experience, (while) the provider performs maintenance with a high-quality level,” it added without naming the Iranian company that will carry out the repair.
-- Iran marks National Day of Iranian poet Attar of Nishapur
Every year, a number of literati, scholars and people gather at the mausoleum of the Persian poet, mystic, and philosopher Attar of Nishapur to mark National Day of Attar, which was on April 14.
Known by his pen name Farid-oddin Attar Nishapuri, the prominent Iranian poet was born in 1142 and died at the age of 75 in Nishapur, in northeastern Khorasan Razavi Province, during the Mongol invasion of Iran.
Attar means ‘apothecary’ and this nickname was given to him due to his profession. He was probably the son of a prosperous chemist, receiving an excellent education in various fields. He practiced the profession of pharmacy. The people he helped in the pharmacy used to confide their troubles in Attar and this affected him deeply.
** Kayhan International
-- Iran’s Trade With OIC Tops $54bn
Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) has reported that the country’s trade with member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, excluding crude oil exports, reached 89.02 million tons worth $54.32 billion.
The latest data released by IRICA show that Iran’s trade with member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, excluding crude oil exports, reached 89.02 million tons worth $54.32 billion during the first 11 months of last Iranian year (March 21, 2022-Feb. 19), registering a 4.05% decline in terms of weight, but a 15.53% rise in value compared with the corresponding period of last year.
-- Iran to Send 100 Athletes to FISU University Games
Head of the National University Sports Federation of Iran Hadi Bashirian said that his country will send 100 sportspersons to the 2023 FISU World University Games. The upcoming multi-sport event, sanctioned by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), is scheduled to be held from July 28 to August 8 in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
“We will compete in 11 events in the Games and send 100 athletes to the competition,” Bashirian said. “I think this edition of the Games will be the most spectacular edition because the Chinese officials want to make history,” he added.
-- Iran, China, Russia, Pakistan Meet on Afghan Security
The top diplomats from Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan attended a conference Thursday that focused on ensuring regional security in light of the situation in Afghanistan.
The foreign ministers of the four countries met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and discussed the need to cooperate with Afghan authorities to maintain political stability and to prevent a humanitarian crisis, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The ministers also talked about the coordination of efforts to “counter the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking from the Afghan territory.”
** Tehran Times
-- Environmental plans worth $13m approved
Fifty-five environmental plans valued at 6.78 trillion rials (about $13 million) have been approved to be implemented across the country. During the first round of President Ebrahim Raisi’s provincial trips, a total of 55 environmental plans worth more than 6.78 trillion rials have been approved, IRNA quoted Alireza Noormohammadi, an official with the Department of Environment, as saying.
He added that the provinces of Mazandaran, Alborz, North Khorasan, and East Azarbaijan have the highest number of approved plans respectively.
-- From adventure to culture: experience Iran like a local
Traveling has always been about getting to know new cultures. Today's travelers frequently want more from their vacations than just relaxing on a beach, going to a crowded tourist attraction, or touring a museum. Travelers today want more from their trips than the typical tourist experience. A growing trend in the travel industry is experience tourism in which a typical traveler engages in specific activities selected destination.
Instead of simply visiting famous landmarks and tourist attractions, visitors can participate in activities such as cooking sessions, traditional handicraft workshops, and cultural events. It gives them a chance to learn more about a country's history, culture, and people in a fun and engaging way. From another perspective, due to consumers' preference to spend their money on experiences rather than things, experience tourism is increasingly becoming the norm on a global scale. Instead of focusing on crossing must-see sites and monuments off the to-do list, the emphasis is now on seeking out activities that appeal to niche personal interests.
-- Iran, world’s 22nd largest economy based on GDP (PPP): IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest report on the countries’ gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity – GDP (PPP)-, ranked Iran the 22nd in the world in 2022, Tasnim news agency reported on Friday. In this report, the IMF announced the GDP of 193 countries in the world, including Iran, in the previous year.
According to the calculations of this international organization, Iran's GDP based on the purchasing power parity, has reached $1.596 trillion in 2022, which has increased by $141 billion compared to the preceding year. With its GDP (PPP) of $1.596 trillion in 2022, Iran has been recognized as the 22nd largest economic power in the world in the past year, according to which Iran's economy is bigger than the economies of 171 other countries in the world.
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