Doha - Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim commended improvements in Egyptian-Iranian relations during Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's visit to Doha. Bin Jassim noted that all Gulf countries have embassies in Tehran and claimed that good relations between Egypt and Iran would serve the Gulf as a result.During a press conference on Wednesday with Sharaf, bin Jassim added that Egypt should not accept relations with Iran as a substitute for relations with the Gulf. Sharaf assured Qatar that good relations with other countries, including Iran, present no contradiction for Egyptian foreign policy and do not jeopardize Gulf security or internal affairs. Regarding Qatar's preference for the next Arab League secretary general, bin Jassim said the issue is being mulled over by the two sides, and that there will not be any disputes between Egypt and Qatar concerning the matter. Both countries have nominated candidates to succeed Amr Moussa when his term ends in mid-May. Sharaf was received by his Qatari counterpart as he arrived in Doha late Wednesday. He plans to meet with other Qatari officials on Thursday after holding talks with bin Jassim. Translated from the Arabic Edition
