Iran and Egypt to promote diplomatic ties to level of ambassador

Iran and Egypt to promote diplomatic ties to level of ambassador

TEHRAN – In a highly tense and sensitive situation in the region and amid a shift in alliances and balance of power, Egypt and Iran are increasing their ties and have decided to promote their diplomatic ties to the level of ambassador.

This move will mark a new chapter in relations between the two countries, which had been frosty for more than four decades.

Tehran and Cairo cut diplomatic ties after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Tehran was critical of Egypt for recognizing Israel in 1978, what is known as the Camp David agreement and hosting the deposed shah of Iran. However, in later years, the sides took reconciliatory measures, which led to the opening of interest sections in each country’s capital.

Over the past year, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has taken a highly active role to lessen the tension between Iran and the IAEA on one side and Iran and the U.S. on the other over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Mojtaba Ferdowsipour, the chief of Iran’s interest section in Egypt, said there is no hurdle to promoting diplomatic ties between the two great Muslim nations.

“I believe that the decision for the exchange of ambassadors has already been taken, and the appointment of me as the representative of Iran’s interest section in Egypt with the rank of ambassador is an indication of this issue, especially as I had served as ambassador in Jordan in the past,” Ferdowsipour pointed out.

He said the two sides are just set to officially declare their decision based on the “political will of the two countries’ leaders.”

“It is only necessary that the sides agree on a time for its declaration,” Ferdowsipour remarked.

However, he said, the two countries are in no rush to announce the promotion of diplomatic ties.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he said that during his last visit to Egypt in early 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the relations between Iran and Egypt are stronger than Cairo’s relations with many of its neighbors.

The chief of Iran’s interest section in Egypt has elaborated on a “three-phase roadmap” to remove the hurdles to promote diplomatic ties.

“First, I would like to insist on the civilizational relationships between Iran and Egypt, which are longer than any other country, and strenuous efforts by the leaders of the two countries to improve ties,” Ferdowsipour stated.

He said the foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt have held more than 15 meetings in addition to meetings between the health, justice, and tourism ministers from the two countries.

After the meetings between the two foreign ministers, the sides established a joint committee for political consultations, and until this date, two meetings have taken place in this regard, Ferdowsipour explained.

In the two committee meetings, according to the interest section chief, the talks centered around relations between the two countries.

Extensive talks also took place between judicial officials about the exchange of prisoners and a memorandum of understanding on judicial ties, he said, adding that one of the important works of the committee was to establish “coordination and cooperation” in line with the course of regional developments.

In line with the three-phase roadmap, the two countries succeeded in removing existing hurdles; built mutual trust in different areas, such as politics, economy, security, and tourism; and found a common ground to expand economic ties related to investment, tourism, and commerce, he stated.

The diplomatic official also said the Islamic Republic is ready to meet Egypt’s oil needs. However, he said, this issue has not yet been raised by the Egyptian side.

source: tehrantimes.com