Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of his inauguration ceremony, marking the latest indication of Cairo and Tehran warming ties, a continuation of a process that began under the former Iranian leader.
The trip, which included a meeting with Mr Pezeshkian and Iran's acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, is the latest move in warming ties between the two countries which have been strained for decades.
After meeting Mr Abdelatty, the Iranian president described Iran and Egypt as “two brotherly countries” whose nations have a “heartfelt affection” for each other.
He also expressed hope that the obstacles to the normalisation process would be completely resolved “as soon as possible”.
“Iran and Egypt can resolve many regional problems through co-operation with each other,” Mr Pezeshkian said, adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran is “ready to co-operate and exchange experiences, capabilities, and mutual capacities with Egypt”.
Mr Abdelatty praised the smooth transition of power to Mr Pezeshkian after his predecessor Ebrahim Raisi, under whose leadership the rapprochement with Cairo was initiated, died in a helicopter crash in May.
“We are deeply pleased that Iran was able to pass through the transition period after the martyrdom of Dr. Raisi with authority and without any problems,” Mr Abdelatty said, according to an Iranian presidency statement on the meeting that took place on the sideline of the inauguration.
Mr Abdelatty also underscored Egypt's commitment to continued good relations with Iran under Mr Pezeshkian's leadership.
Egypt and Iran have a complex history, with periods of co-operation interrupted by episodes of tension and hostility. The two nations severed diplomatic ties in 1979, following Iran's Islamic Revolution, and have since maintained a cautious distance.
However, in recent months, there have been several indications of a shift in the relationship with Mr Abdelatty's predecessor, Sameh Shoukry, holding several high-level meetings with his then Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who died in the same crash as Mr Raisi in May.
Last year, Egypt and Iran announced plans to exchange ambassadors, a move seen as a significant step towards restoring full diplomatic relations.
Additionally, a November meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Mr Raisi in Riyadh was hailed as a major breakthrough in the normalisation process.
Mr Shoukry and Mr Abdollahian also met multiple times, including at the UN General Assembly last September and more recently in Gambia on the sidelines of a summit for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held weeks before the crash.
Statements issued after the meetings said that both sides were exploring how to increase bilateral and regional co-operation.
Mr Raisi's and Mr Abdollahian's deaths raised concerns that the normalisation process could suffer setbacks, sources with direct knowledge of the process told The National the day after the helicopter crash.
Cairo views the meeting between Mr Pezeshkian and Mr Abdelatty as a significant step towards the normalisation process, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
The two nations have competing interests in the Middle East, particularly in the areas of energy and security.
However, in recent years, Egypt has been seeking to diversify its foreign policy, and a rapprochement with Iran could provide a new avenue for co-operation.
In July last year, Egypt's Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa met the Iranian tourism minister to discuss ways to boost tourism between the two countries. The meeting was seen as a significant step towards increasing “people-to-people exchanges and promoting cultural understanding”, the Egyptian tourism ministry said.
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
The finalists
Player of the Century, 2001-2020: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ronaldinho
Coach of the Century, 2001-2020: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jose Mourinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), Sir Alex Ferguson
Club of the Century, 2001-2020: Al Ahly (Egypt), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain)
Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Club of the Year: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid
Coach of the Year: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Hans-Dieter Flick (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
Agent of the Century, 2001-2020: Giovanni Branchini, Jorge Mendes, Mino Raiola
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Tomb%20Raider%20I%E2%80%93III%20Remastered
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6-cylinder%2C%204.8-litre%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5-speed%20automatic%20and%20manual%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E280%20brake%20horsepower%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E451Nm%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh153%2C00%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Teachers' pay - what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh1,050,000
On sale: now
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Could%20We%20Be%20More
%3Cp%3EArtist%3A%20Kokoroko%3Cbr%3ELabel%3A%20Brownswood%20Recordings%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
