By Alya Essam
As Mohamed Morsy commences his three-day trip to China, which will be followed by a five-hour visit to Tehran, the president comes to introduce himself to world wide leaders, striving to hint at new approaches with countries that Mubarak had cut back relations with.
“International relations between all states are open and the basis for all relations is balance. We are not against anyone, but we are for achieving our interests,” said Morsy. The statement raises many questions as to how balanced Egypt’s foreign relations will be under Morsy’s rule. It is understandable that the new president would certainly desire to learn from his predecessor’s mistakes, one of which is seeking a less explicitly pro-American role in the Middle East. Morsy’s political background, especially in the field of international relations, is not as massive. One wonders how he will manage to soothe the worries of big countries and traditional friends.
Morsy’s trip to Tehran to attend the 120-nation Non-Aligned Movement Summit will probably not lead to swift significant developments in the mutual relations of the two countries. But indeed, one might have to gaze into a 2012 picture that brings together an Egyptian president and his Iranian counterpart. For more than three decades, no Egyptian leader has set foot even close to Iranian borders. The U.S, Israel and the Gulf States most probably do not welcome such a trip. Therefore, one should at least commend Morsy, for his intention to decorate long-tarnished relations with Iran. However, questions keep on repeating themselves as to how safely Morsy can play with the fire that lies beyond the diplomatic surfaces of foreign policies and relations.
When once asked if he foresees any ultimatums from Iran and its nuclear program, Morsy said: “We see that all the countries in the region need stability and peaceful co-existence with each other. This cannot be achieved with wars but through political work and special relations between the countries of the region.” These lines are nothing but classic diplomatic statements that probably don’t say much about our potential relationship with Iran. It is expected that for at least the first couple of years in Morsy’s presidency, more subtle statements would come out of his office. Also, no impressive agreements between Egypt and mega countries are expected to come to light until Morsy docks his ship in stable waters.
In spite of all these developments, Morsy should wisely not announce whether or not his country will restore full diplomatic relations with Iran. Fixed steps should be taken in all routes leading to Egyptian bonds with foreign countries.
