In a pivotal move, the foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt met in New York, signifying a “new horizon” in their bilateral relationship.
According to an official statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister, Hussein Amir Abdullahian, and his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, has opened up “new prospects” in the ties between the two nations. The gathering took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings and was described by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, as “very positive and productive.”
Kanaani further emphasized that the engagement between Shoukry and Abdullahian symbolizes a “significant progression in the relationship between the two countries, reinforcing a positive trajectory in regional ties between Iran and its neighbors.” He went on to say, “Issues of mutual interest were discussed, and this meeting practically opened a new chapter in their relations, highlighting the current state and future potential of ties between the two nations.”
The Iranian spokesperson expressed hope that the relationship would witness “further positive steps” in the future.
Earlier, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry had provided details of the discussions held by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry with his Iranian counterpart in New York. Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, official spokesperson for the ministry, stated that Shoukry had received Abdullahian at the Egyptian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on Wednesday. Their talks revolved around the bilateral relations between the two countries, exploring the determinants and guidelines governing them, aiming to develop them in a manner that serves the interests of both nations.
This development comes months after Iran announced its interest in restoring relations with Egypt. Last May, Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, during his meeting with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, voiced Iran’s eagerness to renew ties with Egypt. Prior to this, Shahriar Heidari, a member of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the Shura Council, remarked that the shared interests between Iran and Egypt on international issues would lead to the enhancement of bilateral ties. Heidari expressed hope for improving and expanding relationships between Tehran and Cairo with the reopening of embassies.
It’s noteworthy that Iran severed its diplomatic ties with Egypt following the outbreak of the Iranian Revolution and the fall of the Shah’s regime on February 11, 1979. The decision was influenced by Egypt’s peace agreement with Israel.
