TEHRAN: Iran, whose diplomatic ties with Cairo were cut three decades ago, yesterday welcomed the new Islamist-backed constitution of Egypt, saying it would advance the goals of all Egyptians.
“This popular participation is a tremendous support for the Egyptian government in taking future strides to achieve the Egyptian people’s progressive, Islamic and revolutionary goals,” said foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast, quoted by Isna news agency. Tehran and Cairo severed diplomatic ties in the wake of the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran.
Egypt’s Mursi attended the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Tehran in late August, the first time an Egyptian head of state had set foot in Iran since the cut in ties.
Iran and Egypt have since maintained interests sections in their respective capitals. Shia-majority Iran has sought to normalise relations with Sunni Arab Egypt since the overthrow of president Hosni Mubarak in 2011. But Mursi has so far reacted with caution to Tehran’s overtures.AFP
