Iran is willing to resume relations with Egypt unconditionally, said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday, denying reports that Iran requires Egypt to first cancel its peace treaty with Israel. Ahmadinejad was addressing Egypt’s popular diplomacy delegation on its visit to Tehran.
He also said that Egypt and Iran need not wage war on Israel. “Resuming our relations, by itself, would expel Israel from the region,” he said.
“I would not hesitate to visit Egypt if I were invited,” he said, adding that he was happy every time he flew over Egypt en route to another destination.
“We have achieved miracles here that we are willing to share with you,” he said. “For our development is linked to that of Egypt.”
For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said he was disappointed that certain Gulf countries were against Egypt and Iran resuming relations. ”How could that be if we have a trade balance of US$12 billion with the United Arab Emirates?” he asked.
Salehi promised the delegation that he would ask the government to change Khaled al-Islamboli Street – which was named after Sadat’s assassin – to 25 January Martyrs Street.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
