South Korea, Egypt sign tourism accord

SEOUL, Jan. 22 (Yonhap) -- Egypt vowed to step up security for foreign visitors on Friday as it signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea on promoting bilateral tourism.

Zoheir Garranah, tourism minister for the Middle Eastern nation, said his country will bolster anti-terrorist measures across the country, addressing concerns over violence by Muslim extremists there.

"The government of Egypt is making its best efforts to ensure the safety of foreigners not only in tourism attractions but in the entire country," the visiting minister said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency.

The accord signed between Garranah and Yu In-chon, South Korea's minister for tourism, sports and culture, calls for the governments of the two countries to facilitate greater tourism, boost related investments and simplify visa processes.

Known for its historic pyramids, bustling markets and newly developed golf courses, the largest share of Egypt's gross domestic product comes from its tourism industry, which accounts for an annual US$11 billion in added revenue for the Muslim nation. But fears of possible terrorist attacks persist in the region, with the latest such incident occurring on Jan. 7 when six members of the minority Coptic Christian community were gunned down in a drive-by shooting in the south of the country.

"Egypt implements anti-terror measures on a pan-governmental level and is making its full efforts for the safety of not only locals but also foreigners," the minister stressed.

Garranah said Korean television dramas and movies have gained "huge popularity" in his country, creating a booming interest in Korean culture.

Egyptians are also interested in the fast-growing medical tourism industry in Korea, the world's 13th largest economy, where foreign visitors often receive advanced medical care at a fraction of costs seen in other advanced countries, the minister said.

The two countries mark their 15th year of diplomatic relations this year.