Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani conferred on Tuesday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit on expansion of mutual relations, regional developments and Iran's nuclear program.
According to IRNA, after the talks Larijani described the role of Cairo in restoring peace and stability to the region as "very important." On the existing ties between Tehran and Cairo, he said: "following good exchange of visits between the two sides' officials, they are now witnessing growing ties."
Iran and Egypt are to step up efforts for expansion of mutual ties, he pointed out. Iran considers expansion of ties with Egypt as a strategic move and believe that promotion of mutual negotiations and cooperation would lead to restoration of a "durable peace and stability to the region," he noted.
The Egyptian foreign minister, for his part, voiced satisfaction with the exchange of delegations between the two countries and underlined significant role of Iran in regional developments.
Cairo and Tehran broke off diplomatic relations in 1980 after the Islamic revolution in Iran due to Egypt's recognition of Israel and decision to provide refuge to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the deposed Iranian shah.
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
