Egypt President Invites Iranian Counterpart To OIC Summit

Tehran, Jan 15, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday that President Mohmed Morsi of Egypt has invited his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to attend the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 12th summit in Cairo on February 6-7. “This will be a proper chance for the two presidents to exchange views on issues of mutual interest,” said the spokesman speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference. The invitation was conveyed to Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali-akbar Salehi during his recent visit to Egypt which took place upon an official invitation of his Egyptian counterpart. Salehi also conveyed President Ahmadinejad’s message to President Morsi, inviting him to visit Iran in near future. “Consistent consultation between influential countries of the region would help both promote bilateral relations and settle regional crises,” said the spokesman. Touching upon the current situation in Mali, Mehmanparast said Tehran would announce its stand on the issue soon. However, respecting territorial integrity of all countries is one of the basic principles of Iran’s foreign policy, he said. Mehmanparast added that the armed groups which are equipped by foreigners to endanger stability and security of their own countries should not be supported. Any public demand should be met through democratic approaches, he noted./end