Muslim proximity, most important factor in Cairo-Tehran ties

An Egyptian envoy to Islamic Republic of Iran noted that the future of Tehran-Cairo ties depends on Islamic solidarity and an international balance.

Ahmed el-Ghamrawi, Head of the Egyptian-Iranian Friendship Association (EIFA) in an exclusive interview with Taqrib News Agency (TNA) hailed the potentials of Iran and Egypt to boost their ties and the influence they might leave on the international balance once political freedom returns to the nations following the Arab Spring.

He referred to the spread of awakening to topple the dictator regimes and moving in line with the mutual interests of Iran and Egypt stressing, “These two countries, based on their great historical and civilization backgrounds as well as their common respect for Ahlul Bayt (AS), household of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), can plan a new balance for the benefits of the nations.”

This Egyptian thinker also said the activities of EIFA which were suspended following Camp David Accord and Iran-Iraq war was resumed in 2002 making effective efforts in proximity of two countries including, presence of Iranian authorities in Egypt and increasing economic and cultural activities.

He underscored the role of Iran in the region and across the globe and called Iran an important country in the region and an outstanding member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

According to the Egyptian envoy, Iran is the second important gas exporter and has made remarkable military and scientific improvements in the past decade.

“The Zionist regime is concerned over the improvements of Iran and spares no effort to prevent expansion of Cairo-Tehran ties.

El Ghamrawi reiterated proximity of Islamic schools of thought as the most important axis for mutual cooperation between countries and said, “Al Azhar and Qom Seminary are two institutions which can be active to foil seditious plots of the enemies.”

He referred to the religious sites in Egypt which can serve as a travel destination for Iranian pilgrims and noted the enthusiasm of Egyptian people to visit the beauties of Iran for themselves.

Egyptian luminary rejected allegations on spread of Shi’ism in Egypt by Iran as a plot of the Zionists and said the efforts are aimed at substituting the Zionist regime of Israel with Iran as the enemy of the Arabs.

“We are fully aware that more than 7 million Sunni Muslims are living in Iran without being forced to embrace Shi’ism.” He said.

According to Ahmed el-Ghamrawi slammed the Zionist media for efforts to ally the Arabs with Israel in its animosity with Iran and form a new Middle East though the awakening of the nations is much stronger than the dictator rulers and plots of the western media.