Optimism on Tehran-Cairo talks on the rise
By Abdul Amir Nabavi
Professor at Tehran University
According to some media reports, the second round of talks between delegations from Iran and Egypt was held in Baghdad. The two countries are now on the path to normalizing relations. The improvement of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia has had a direct and positive effect on Tehran’s relations with other Arab countries, most notably, Egypt.
The Tehran-Riyadh agreement (Beijing Agreement) has helped speed up the negotiations between Tehran and Cairo and the determination to resolve previous misunderstandings.
Of course, the expectation that the normalization of ties between Iran and Egypt would take place quickly, and in all areas of dispute, is a bit premature, nevertheless, these talks can help reduce ambiguities, emphasize common concerns, and lead to an understanding of the sensitivities of the parties.
If the talks shift from security to political concerns, and if a dialogue is held by the foreign ministers of the two countries, it would be a positive step considering the 30-year break in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Concurrently, the improvement of Iran’s relations with Egypt after the agreement between Tehran and Riyadh will help improve Tehran’s diplomatic ties with the whole Arab world.
In the past, Iran has tried several times to normalize relations with Egypt, but the framework of Iran’s relations with Arab countries and, of course, the occurrence of some regional and international crises prevented these efforts from bearing fruit. Now, however, the situation has changed and the West Asian region is moving in the direction of reducing tensions, strengthening stability, and promoting cooperation. Considering recent positive developments such as the conclusion of the war in Yemen, the return of Syria to the Arab League, the visit of a Hamas delegation to Saudi Arabia, we can be optimistic about the normalization of relations between Iran and Egypt.
The improvement of ties between Tehran and Cairo would be beneficial to the interests of both countries and would have a positive impact on the situation of the entire region.
In general, any country that can establish bilateral or multilateral relations with more countries in the world will be more successful in securing its national interests. The agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia will be the source of good events for both countries and the entire region. Therefore, talks between Iran and Egypt should be welcomed.
The media have also quoted Egyptian sources as saying that the two sides are considering a meeting between the presidents of the two countries. Not long ago, it was announced that the king of Saudi Arabia has invited the Iranian president to visit Riyadh.
These reports are clear signs of new conditions in the framework of cooperation and relations between Iran and Arab countries.