Iran, Egypt meeting 'very good and positive', reconciles with Djibouti

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
22 Sep 2023 15:41

Djibouti is not the only nation to welcome a reconciliation, as Iran also reaffirmed strengthening ties with Malta in various fields in light of fortifying ties with the region.

Egyptian FM Sameh Shoukry and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during their meeting in New York. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani described the most recent meeting between the Iranian and Egyptian foreign ministers as “very good and positive” on Wednesday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry convened on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to mark a pivotal point in the bilateral relations and a further step in developing Iran’s ties with regional countries.

“The two sides exchanged viewpoints on issues of common interest, evaluated the current state of bilateral relations, and looked forward to their improvement. The talks opened up a new horizon on the path of mutual ties between the two countries,” Kanaani said, expressing hope of "positive steps" toward enhancing relations between Iran and Egypt.

Restoration to happen eventually

This comes a month after Chairman of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, Mohamed el Orabi, stated in an interview with the Arab World Press (AWP) news agency that the bilateral communications are ongoing but claimed it is not necessary to publicize them.

“The issue is very simple and should not become complicated. Restoration of full relations with Tehran will happen eventually, but Egypt has its reservations,” Orabi said, adding that the diplomatic interactions remain, and although they have not been severed, “determining factors” which are “unique in essence” must be considered when it comes to re-establishing ties.

His statement was in reference to when Egypt cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 after Egypt hosted the ousted Pahlavi ruler of Iran alongside recognizing the Israeli occupation.

Diplomatic reconciliation with Djibouti

In a separate yet related context, Amir-Abdollahian and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf agreed, following a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA to re-establish diplomatic ties, based on mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, and peaceful coexistence.

They jointly decided to fortify cooperation in various fields as well, such as investment, trade, science, and technology.

“Relations between Iran and Djibouti witnessed a very good trend in the past. There exist various spheres for bilateral cooperation,” Amir-Abdollahian said, adding that Iran is open to expanding ties with Muslim and brotherly countries.

“We consider Djibouti as a friendly and brotherly country. Iran attaches significance to expansion of relations with Djibouti as an important Muslim country in the Horn of Africa,” he said, noting, “We can establish strong relations and develop cooperation in all areas.”