Arab-Iranian relations improve in spite of problems

The Arab League said that it will participate in the Islamic Conference which will be hosted by Tehran in December. The Secretary-General of the Arab League Dr. Esmat Abdul Meguid sent a message to Iranian President Mohammed Khatami which contained the agreement of the Arab League to participate in the Conference.

Iran has many differences with some of the Arab countries, especially the UAE as Iran occupies 3 Emirates isles; Smaller Tenb, Greater Tenb and Abu Mousse. Iran rejected all the appeals of the Arab League to solve the problem in a peaceful way. Iran also has problems with Iraq aggravated by the recent Iranian air raids against the Kurds. Iran still refuses to return the Iraqi planes which were sent to Iran for safe keeping during the Gulf War.

The Arab League delivered the message to Ambassador Akir Kassemy. Kassemy said that his country is optimistic about the Arab positive stances toward Iran during this period which necessitate improving the relations. He confirmed that he feels that the relations will improve in the future.

Kassemy added that the coming period will witness more economic and trade cooperation between Egypt and Iran and that there is mutual interest in creating better economic relations. He also stated that a large Iranian delegation of the Chamber of commerce will visit Egypt soon.