The Egyptian-Iranian ties will only witness progress if reasons behind cutting diplomatic ties changed and a remarkable progress in bilateral ties took place, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid.

Egypt and Iran severed ties in 1980 following Egypt's decision to provide refuge for the deposed Shah of Iran, as well as Egypt’s recognition of Israel.

Relations further deteriorated the following year when Tehran named a street after the assassin of President Anwar Sadat, Khaled Islambouli.

Asked about preparations of Arab Summit and the establishment of a joint Arab force, Abu Zeid said that consultations regarding the joint Arab force are being held, adding that this issue will be listed on the agenda of the upcoming Arab summit.

It is normal that discussing technical matters in this respect will take time, he added.

Talking about the Syrian file, Abu Zeid said that the Syrian-Syrian talks will be held in Geneva on January 25, as set by the UN and the UN envoy, adding that consultations are underway to form a delegation from the Syrian opposition.

There are challenges of forming the delegation, he said, adding that there are parties which attended Riyadh conference, there is a higher authority for negotiations, there are parties which did not participate and want to be represented, he said. This is another challenge and there are also efforts to confront the challenges to guarantee the talks are launched on time and in the nearest possible future, he added.

Source: MENA