Jeddah: The top diplomats of Egypt and Iran convened in Saudi Arabia to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional developments, including Tehran's nuclear program. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an emergency ministerial session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.
According to Anadolu Agency, Egypt's Foreign Ministry disclosed that Badr Abdelatty met with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and mutual aspirations for sustained consultation and coordination on issues of shared interest. The discussion also touched upon the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's efforts toward a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Additionally, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's firm stance regarding Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of respecting its sovereignty and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five border outposts in southern Lebanon. The Egyptian Foreign Minister also rejected any actions threatening the stability of Syria and its people.
The dialogue between Abdelatty and Araghchi also included discussions on efforts to reduce tensions and facilitate negotiations between Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the United States. The aim is to enhance mutual trust and create a conducive environment for achieving regional security and stability. This comes in the context of Iran's parliament passing legislation to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, citing perceived bias toward Israel and the US.
Meanwhile, Araghchi met with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in Gaza, where more than 62,700 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Conversations focused on enhancing bilateral ties and addressing regional developments, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
In related developments, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel also faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.