Tehran, 4 May 2024 (TDI): Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry on the sidelines of the 15th OIC Summit meeting.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting has been scheduled to be held in the Gambian capital, Banjul, over the weekend.
Both Iranian and Egyptian diplomats discussed efforts promoting bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region, especially crimes of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people.
The Iranian Foreign Minister appreciated Egypt’s efforts to stop genocide in Gaza.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Iran was ready to send humanitarian aid to Gaza and requested Cairo’s assistance.
Initially exchanging warm greetings of their respective Presidents, both diplomats underlined the need for special efforts to pursue strengthening of bilateral relations.
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Exchange of religious delegations
The Iranian Minister emphasized the importance of exchanging religious delegations based on an agreement between the Presidents of Iran and Egypt.
He described such an endeavour between religious institutions of both countries as useful and effective for interfaith and spiritual dialogue. Indeed, the Egyptian side welcomed this gesture.
In turn, the Egyptian Foreign Minister said Al-Azhar in Egypt is interested in dialogue between religions.
He also underlined the need to strengthen popular and tourism relations between Tehran and Cairo.
Attack on Iranian Embassy in Syria
The Iranian diplomat explained Israel’s terrorist attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus and the resultant response from Iranian armed forces.
Minister Amirabdollahian highlighted that the response aligned with the principle of legitimate defence.
He thanked Egypt for condemning the terrorist act by the Zionist regime.
Egypt’s Minister Shoukry for his part expressed pleasure with the meeting.
He stressed that Egypt is always interested in dialogue and contacts between Egypt and Iran as two countries with deep-rooted civilizations.
He further added that Egypt cares much about pursuing the expansion of relations between the two countries.
Lastly, he condemned Israel’s attack and offered condolences over the martyrdom of Iranian military advisers.
Human and material losses in Gaza
Egyptian Minister pointed to the consequences of continuation of war in Gaza and the mounting human and material losses.
He expressed hope that the ongoing political efforts and negotiations will lead to cessation of war.
In the end, both Ministers voiced hope that the OIC Summit meeting will strengthen solidarity and unity in the Muslim world with regard to supporting Palestinian people and solving issues of the region.
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