Egypt, Bahrain FMs warn of increased Iranian influence

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called for stepped-up Arab solidarity in the face of growing Iranian influence in the region.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Bahraini counterpart Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa today, Shoukry called on Tehran to adopt policies vis-à-vis Egypt, the Gulf States and the Arab world in general based on “mutual respect” and “non-interference” in other countries’ affairs.

He added that Bahrain and Egypt were both suffering from scourge of “terrorism”, stressing the need for stepped-up cooperation with a view to promoting regional stability.

Al-Khalifa said his country hoped to end its current political crisis, going on to demand that Iran “change its policy toward countries of the region and halt its attempts to interfere in their domestic affairs.”

He also noted that Bahrain hoped to sign several agreements with Egypt in the fields of public health, education, environment, navigation and the civil services.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa is expected to arrive in Egypt later today for a two-day visit.