Egyptian parliamentary delegation visits Iran for the first time since 1979

An Egyptian parliamentary delegation left for Tehran on Sunday on a visit which will last for several days, the first visit of its kind in 19 years.

The Egyptian delegation will take part in a meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, currently presided over by Iran, with the objective of setting up an Islamic parliamentary union.

The Egyptian delegation comprises the heads of the Egyptian parliamentary committees for foreign affairs Muhammad Abdullah; for religious affairs, Ahmad Omar Hashem; and for industrial affairs, Amin Mubarak.

Relations between Cairo and Tehran which were severed following the launch of the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979 have improved this year, especially with the exchange of visits between the two countries's officials in taking part in regional and international meetings.