Iran, Egypt bolster cooperation amid regional tensions, Gaza war
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to advance Iranian-Egyptian cooperation, address the Gaza ceasefire, and reaffirm support for regional stability and US-Iran nuclear talks.
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In this photo provided by Egypt's presidency media office, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, right, meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt, on October 17, 2024 (Egyptian Presidency Media Office via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed Monday that ongoing consultations and cooperation between Iran and Egypt, two pivotal regional countries, are beneficial and constructive.
During a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Araghchi expressed satisfaction with the increasing communication and official exchanges between the two nations over recent months, emphasizing the importance of collective and effective action by Islamic countries to deter the occupation and prevent further crimes in Gaza, as well as the escalation of aggression into Lebanon and Syria.
Highlighting the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, Araghchi noted that the Palestinian people are enduring suffering as a result of ongoing mass massacres perpetrated by the Israeli occupation.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to sustained coordination and bilateral engagement with Iran, emphasizing the foundation of shared interests and mutual respect. El-Sisi stated that there are efforts to end the genocide and killing of Palestinians in Gaza, reiterating Egypt's position in favor of de-escalating tensions across the region to achieve stability.
Following the meeting, Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed el-Shenawy confirmed that both sides stressed the importance of continuing their current diplomatic path to explore opportunities for further development in their relationship.
Discussions also addressed the fast-moving developments in the region, and President Sisi affirmed Egypt’s firm rejection of expanding war zones, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent a broader regional war that could severely impact the security and capabilities of neighboring nations.
In this context, el-Shenawy highlighted the relevance of the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Advancing bilateral and nuclear dialogue
Araghchi praised Egypt's efforts toward restoring regional stability and emphasized Iran’s commitment to sustained consultation in the coming period.
In a separate meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati, Araghchi noted that Iranian-Egyptian relations have advanced significantly, reaching a level not seen in previous years.
“There are no obstacles to Egyptian-Iranian relations,” Araghchi affirmed, noting that both Cairo and Tehran are working to expand political consultations. He also revealed a mutual agreement to increase trade exchange volumes between the two nations.
Reiterating Iran’s commitment to peace, Araghchi underscored that the country’s nuclear program is peaceful: "We are fully confident in that."
For his part, Foreign Minister Abdel Ati noted that he and Araghchi discussed ways to further develop bilateral relations, regional security, and stability. He expressed Egypt’s full support for the US-Iran negotiations, aiming for a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue.
Abdel Ati stressed that Egypt’s foreign policy rejects military solutions: "Everyone would lose if a military conflict broke out in the region," affirming Egypt’s adherence to the principles of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Both ministers agreed on the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Strip.
Additionally, Araghchi praised Egyptian and Qatari efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and voiced hope for the success of those negotiations. He reiterated the need for an urgent, immediate, and sustainable ceasefire, underlining that any agreement must ensure the uninterrupted entry of aid into the Strip.
Following his visit to Egypt, Araghchi is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Monday evening. The trip aims to affirm Iran’s support for Lebanon in the face of Israeli aggression and to discuss ongoing regional developments, particularly the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.
