Iran Welcomes Egypt's Call to Mend Relations

VOA News March 30, 2011


Iran has welcomed an overture from Egypt to fully restore diplomatic relations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says there have been many "ups and downs" between the two countries, but historical ties have been sustained. He said he hoped to witness an "expansion of relations" between Iran and Egypt.

His comments at a Wednesday news conference were in response to remarks made on Tuesday by Egypt's new foreign minister, Nabil al-Arabi. He told reporters Egypt was "turning over a new leaf with all countries, including Iran."

He also said Egypt did not consider Iran a hostile country.

Iran and Egypt have not had full diplomatic relations since 1979. The two countries severed ties after Egypt signed a peace treaty with Israel.