Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to attend a summit of major Muslim nations in Egypt on Thursday, marking the first visit by an Iranian leader since 2013. This rare visit comes as Iran and Egypt have been increasing high-level diplomatic exchanges, particularly following last year's Gaza crisis.

The summit in Egypt is being hosted by the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which was established in 1997 following the Istanbul Declaration. The D-8 includes countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, aiming to foster economic and political cooperation among countries stretching from Southeast Asia to Africa.

Relations between Iran and Egypt have been strained for decades, but recent high-level diplomatic exchanges have increased, signaling a warming of relations between the two nations amid shared regional concerns. In October, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visited Egypt to engage in discussions with Egyptian officials about regional issues. Earlier in July, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty traveled to Tehran to attend President Masoud Pezeshkian's inauguration.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran plans to engage in discussions on regional and bilateral affairs with the countries participating in the D-8 summit. The summit provides an opportunity for Iran to strengthen its diplomatic ties with other major Muslim nations and address pressing regional issues.

The increasing diplomatic exchanges between Iran and Egypt are significant, given the historical tensions between the two nations. The D-8 summit offers a platform for Iran to engage in constructive dialogue with its regional counterparts, potentially paving the way for greater cooperation and understanding in the region.

As Iran's President prepares to attend the D-8 summit, the international community will be watching closely to see how this rare visit will impact regional dynamics and diplomatic relations between Iran and Egypt. The summit's outcome may have far-reaching implications for the region, and its success could potentially lead to increased cooperation and stability in the Middle East.

In conclusion, the upcoming D-8 summit in Egypt marks a significant milestone in Iran's diplomatic efforts, as President Masoud Pezeshkian prepares to make his first visit to Egypt in 10 years. As the region navigates complex geopolitical challenges, the success of this summit may hold the key to unlocking greater cooperation and understanding between major Muslim nations.