JNN 07 April 2011 CAIRO — Egypt : which has had turbulent relations with Iran for more than three decades, says it is ready to open a “new page” with the Islamic republic, Egyptian media reported Tuesday.

“Egypt has opened a new page with all countries of the world, including Iran,” Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil al-Arabi was quoted as saying by the local media.

“The Egyptian and Iranian people deserve relations which reflect their history and civilization, provided they are based on mutual respect of state sovereignty and non-interference of any kind in internal affairs.”

Arabi’s remarks came during a meeting with Iranian official Mojtaba Amani who handed him a letter from Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi.

The meeting is thought to be the first between officials of the two nations since the ouster in February of Hosni Mubarak in a popular uprising.

In his letter, Salehi urged Cairo to explore ways to develop relations between the two countries, the reports said.

He has also invited his counterpart to visit Tehran, while airing a wish to visit Cairo himself.

Iran broke off diplomatic relations with Cairo in 1980 after the Islamic revolution, in protest at the recognition of Israel by Egypt.

Since then the two countries maintain only interest sections in their respective capitals.

According to al Awamiya website, One of Saudi authorities “Khaled bin Sultan” visited east of Saudi Arabia, as a result of which some of Saudi forces in Bahrain deployed there to secure the area.

In another development, Bahraini police attacked Hussayniat al Qasab on Sunday early morning, break down doors, holy objects and vandalized its walls, ABNA reported.

On Thursday also Saudi Wahhabi forces attacked Hazrat Zainab Masjid in Hamad town and set it on fire and burned all holy objects including holy Quran.

The masked men threw Molotov cocktails in to the Masjid and burned it.

Bahrain has been the scene of nationwide anti-government protests since February 14.

Opposition groups say dozens of people have gone missing, at least 25 have been martyred and more than 1,000 have been wounded. It has also been reported that at least 250 Bahrainis have been detained.

Demonstrators demand a new constitution that would limit the king’s powers. They are also calling for Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to step down