Iran, Egypt officials meet in Tehran, discuss ties

TEHRAN

Hossein Amir Abdollahian, a senior advisor to Iran’s parliament speaker, and Yasser Othman, head of Egypt's interests section in Tehran, have met to discuss regional developments and bilateral ties, Iran’s FARS news agency reported Friday.

At the Thursday meeting, the two sides reportedly discussed several issues of common interest, including relations between the two countries’ parliaments.

They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments, while also stressing the need to support Palestinian national aspirations, according to FARS.

Diplomatic ties between Egypt and Iran have been suspended since the latter’s revolution in 1979. Recent years, however, have seen a slight thaw in relations.

In October of last year, a similar meeting was held between officials from both countries.

Thursday’s meeting followed a surprise visit to Egypt by Ali Mamlouk, intelligence chief for the Syrian regime, a close Iranian ally. While in Cairo, Mamlouk reportedly met with his Egyptian counterpart, Abbas Kamel.

Last week, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir visited Syria, where he met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, becoming the first Arab head of state to visit Damascus since the Syria conflict erupted in 2011.

On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates announced plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus after a seven-year hiatus, with Bahrain following suit the next day.

TEHRAN

At the Thursday meeting, the two sides reportedly discussed several issues of common interest, including relations between the two countries’ parliaments.

They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments, while also stressing the need to support Palestinian national aspirations, according to FARS.

Diplomatic ties between Egypt and Iran have been suspended since the latter’s revolution in 1979. Recent years, however, have seen a slight thaw in relations.

In October of last year, a similar meeting was held between officials from both countries.

On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates announced plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus after a seven-year hiatus, with Bahrain following suit the next day.