CAIRO (Islam Online) July 1 - The first talks between Egypt and Iran after diplomatic ties were cut in 1979 were initiated in Cairo in an effort that may see the eventual re-establishment of normalized relations between the two countries.
Information obtained by Islam Online indicates that Foreign Ministers of both countries held extensive meetings on the sideline of the Islamic Conference Foreign Ministers meeting currently taking place in Malaysia. Representatives from both countries agreed to initiate unofficial steps in an effort to resume bilateral diplomatic ties.
Egyptian and Iranian diplomatic sources have expressed their belief that bilateral relations between the two countries have matured to the extent that resumption of normal diplomatic relations may begin.
Detailed information regarding the nature of those sideline talks, however, was unavailable.
Egyptian official sources speculate that a phone call between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his Iranian counterpart last Wednesday, after the conclusion of the summit of the Group of 15, provided the initial impetus to enable the possible resumption of ties.
During the phone conversation, Egyptian President Mubarak congratulated Iranian President Khatami for Iran's membership into the Group of 15. Unlike with Iran, Egypt did not congratulate Kenya, another newcomer to the Group of 15. These developments lead some observers to believe that Cairo is seriously pursuing improved relations with Tehran.
A high profile Iranian delegation will visit Cairo next Monday to take part in the Conference of the Union of Islamic Parliaments.
Tehran is also scheduled to host a seminar later this month to discuss bilateral relations between itself and Egypt. A number of Egyptian political experts are expected to participate.
