Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, will visit Cairo, Egypt, on December 18 to participate in the 11th summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which includes Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.
The D-8 summit will take place tomorrow, December 19, with the presence of the presidents of the eight countries.
Although Pezeshkian's trip to Egypt is primarily for attending the multilateral D-8 summit and is not considered a bilateral visit, the current state of relations between Tehran and Cairo, as two significant and influential countries in the Islamic world, makes this trip noteworthy and important from various perspectives.
The Arab Republic of Egypt, as one of the key countries in the Middle East and North Africa, holds a strategic position in international interactions. With a population of over 110 million and a unique geopolitical location, Egypt not only serves as a gateway connecting Asia to Africa but also plays a central role in global trade due to its proximity to the Suez Canal and Mediterranean and European markets. These characteristics, along with the special status of both countries in the Islamic world, can create a valuable opportunity for resolving mutual issues and expanding relations, particularly in economic, cultural, and political spheres.
Strategic importance of Iran-Egypt relations
Iran and Egypt are two countries with ancient civilizations and shared historical roots that can enhance their positions in regional and global equations by strengthening bilateral interactions. Furthermore, the strategic positions of these two countries provide opportunities for cooperation in areas such as maritime transport, energy, tourism, and trade. Upgrading diplomatic relations from a interests section to an embassy level could mark a turning point in overcoming past grievances and pave the way for expanding relations and facilitating broader interactions.
Areas of cooperation between Iran and Egypt
Political and Regional Interactions
Cooperation between Iran and Egypt on regional issues such as Middle Eastern security, combating terrorism, and supporting the oppressed people of Palestine, as well as utilizing their shared capacities to end the crimes of the Zionists in Gaza, can contribute to improving stability and peace in the region.
Economic Cooperation
Joint Investment: The economic and commercial capacities of the two countries can pave the way for investments in sectors such as textiles, banking, and shipping, initiating a new path in economic relations. Expanding this cooperation will create job opportunities in both Tehran and Cairo and increase trade exchanges between the two countries.
Transport and Energy Industries: Given Egypt's proximity to the Suez Canal and the geopolitical importance of this waterway in global trade, developing cooperation in shipping and energy transfer could also become one of the main pillars of economic relations.
Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Iran and Egypt, as countries with ancient histories that laid the foundations for various civilizations, are considered unique destinations globally due to their remarkable historical, cultural, and architectural attractions. Egypt took a significant step in fostering cultural relations by granting direct flight permissions for Iranian tourists last year. Further cooperation in the tourism sector could facilitate cultural exchanges, increase tourism revenues, and strengthen people-to-people interactions.
D-8 Summit: A platform for strengthening relations
Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Egypt to participate in the D-8 leaders' summit and his meetings with Egyptian officials can be an effective step toward deepening bilateral relations. Exploring ways to enhance cooperation at the presidential level, particularly in economic and cultural areas, presents a suitable opportunity to design a comprehensive roadmap for future collaborations.
Future prospects of Iran-Egypt relations
The enhancement of Iran-Egypt relations not only serves the national interests of both countries but can also strengthen cohesion in the Islamic world and increase the roles of these two countries in international equations. Given the existing capacities in their relations across various domains, practical steps to elevate the level of cooperation and capitalize on economic, cultural, and political opportunities are essential.
Strengthening relations between Iran and Egypt is not merely a choice; it is a strategic necessity that could pave the way for a brighter future for both nations and the region.
NOURNEWS