Skip to main content

Egypt's foreign minister makes first trip to Iran to attend president's funeral

1 min Mena Today

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry headed on Wednesday to Tehran to participate in the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Reuters/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Reuters/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry headed on Wednesday to Tehran to participate in the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Shoukry's visit is the first visit by the Egyptian foreign minister to Iran," Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said.

Relations between Egypt and Iran have often been fraught in recent decades although the two countries have maintained diplomatic contacts.

Last September, foreign ministers of both countries met during the United Nations leaders gathering in New York and Raisi, who also attended the U.N. General Assembly, said at the time that the meeting could pave the way for a restoration of ties.

Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who also died in the crash, had met his Egyptian counterpart earlier this month in Gambia on the sidelines of a summit for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The two ministers had discussed efforts to promote bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region, especially the ongoing situation in Gaza.

By Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan

Related

Iran

Iran fully prepared for renewed US attack

Iran's armed forces are prepared for any renewed U.S. attacks, state media quoted army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia saying on Sunday, after US President Donald Trump said he rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities order Riyadh schools online

Schools in Riyadh will operate remotely for a week amid a surge in attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, according to emails sent to parents on Sunday.

Iran

Iran blames deadlock on rejected Hormuz proposal

Iran on Sunday insisted that only diplomacy can solve its conflict with the United States and Israel after US President Donald Trump said he rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.