Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are scheduled to attend the D-8 summit in Egypt, marking the first visit by an Iranian president since 2013. The summit will focus on economic cooperation among member countries, particularly emphasizing youth and small enterprises. This visit and the summit demonstrate a warming of relations between Iran and Egypt amid regional challenges, particularly concerning Gaza.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson announced that President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is set to visit Egypt to attend the D-8 summit. This summit, organized by the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation, will convene on December 19, 2024, in Cairo. Prior to the summit, a meeting of foreign ministers from member countries will take place to finalize the agenda and documents. The theme for this summit is “Investing in Youth and Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Shaping the Future Economy.”
Significantly, this visit marks the first by an Iranian president to Egypt since 2013, when former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Cairo. Iran and Egypt’s diplomatic relations have undergone fluctuations since they were severed in 1980, but there has been a recent warming of ties, particularly after the fall of Hosni Mubarak. Amid ongoing tensions in the region, especially concerning Gaza, increasing diplomatic interactions reflect a potential for collaboration between these two nations.
The summit is expected to address regional issues, as emphasized by the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman who mentioned a special meeting to discuss matters such as the situations in Palestine and Lebanon. The D-8 organization consists of eight member countries—Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey—focused on fostering economic cooperation and development among its members.
The Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation, also referred to as D-8, was established to enhance economic cooperation among member states that are primarily Muslim-majority countries. Egypt will play host to the 11th D-8 Summit where issues of mutual interest, particularly in economic development and regional stability, will be at the forefront. Given the unique historical context of Iranian-Egyptian relations, marked by periods of tension and attempts at dialogue, this summit is viewed as a significant opportunity for both nations to engage on pressing geopolitical matters. Since diplomatic relations were severed in 1980 after Iran’s Islamic Revolution, both countries have navigated complex dynamics. However, recent events, particularly the humanitarian crises stemming from conflicts in Gaza and the broader region, have created a catalyst for renewed discussions and collaboration, showing an evolution in their bilateral relations.
In conclusion, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Egypt signifies a notable step in Iranian-Egyptian relations, highlighting the potential for future collaboration on economic and regional matters. The D-8 summit provides an avenue for addressing critical issues, including the current situations in Palestine and Lebanon, while fostering economic cooperation among member states. As both nations aim to capitalize on this diplomatic engagement, the summit reflects a broader context of shifting relationships within the region.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
