Iranian Leader, Egyptian Counterpart Discuss Rekindling Diplomatic Ties Amidst Gaza Crisis

Iranian President, Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, has expressed Iran’s willingness to rekindle diplomatic ties with Egypt, adding that his country does not see any major obstacles in this regard.

President Raisi made the remarks in a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of a joint Arab-Islamic summit on Gaza held in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Saturday.

Raisi, who described Egypt as a “friendly country” emphasized the need for the unity of Islamic countries amid the Israeli regime aggression on Gaza.

Speaking on the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged Gaza Strip, he said the world expects the Rafah crossing will be opened so that international aid can go to Gaza, but that the US and the Zionist regime are preventing the opening of the Rafah crossing to provide aid to the oppressed and defenseless people of Gaza.

Raisi, however, said the obstacles must be overcome.

The Egyptian president, Abdelfattah El-Sisi on his part, said Cairo had a political will to establish “real relations” with Iran.

He noted that relevant Egyptian ministers have been assigned to follow up on the establishment of deep relations between the two countries.

While commenting on the Palestine issue, El Sisi stated that Egypt is a country that has suffered more than others from the ongoing situation in Gaza.

It would be recalled that Iran and Egypt cut diplomatic ties in 1980 after Cairo admitted the former Shah of Iran and recognized Israel.

Iran, has in recent years, announced its readiness to mend relations with Egypt by settling differences on certain issues.