TEHRAN (IRNA) — Deputy director at the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (CHTO) said here on Monday that the First International Foodstuff Festival of Islamic Countries will be held in the Persian Gulf island of Kish.

Mohamad-Sharif Malek-Zadeh said in a meeting with ambassadors from Islamic countries in Tehran that the festival will be held at Kish International Exhibition Fairgrounds from December 20-23.

He noted that a pavilion covering an area of 100 square meters will be allocated to participating states free of charge.

He added companies and groups involved in nutrition and foodstuff business from Islamic countries will be invited via their representatives in Iran to present their products.

According to Malek-Zadeh, the administration of the festival will provide accommodation to all domestic and foreign participants at discount rates.

The official added, during the festival all Islamic countries' ministers and ambassadors along their spouses will be considered special guest of the CHTO.

He noted that 30 Iran's provinces will actively participate in the festival and there will be no restriction in introducing and selling foodstuffs to participants.

He pointed out that since local and foreign travel agencies and tourism offices will also attend the festival to introduce their tourism attractions, the event can play a role in developing cultural and civilizational proximity of Islamic countries and expanding tourism in these states.