The steps taken by Egypt and Iran to restore ties between the two countries is by all means and on various levels significant. It not only paves the way for building on the relationship positively but also sets a precedent for using diplomatic measures as a facilitator to address and resolve outstanding issues.

There is no question about the connotation of the step being taken here. Both countries are major players in the region and it would be naïve to assume otherwise. By re-establishing diplomatic ties, the two countries have resorted to pragmatic and practical means to ending a break in relations that has spanned almost 30 years. "We are on the threshold of establishing official, political relations and are waiting for our Egyptian brothers to express their readiness," said Iran's Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki.

But looking at the bigger perspective, what is important to highlight here is the fact that a policy that is geared towards isolation and boycott does not reap any positive results. In fact, confrontations in many instances escalate matters and further complicate problems. Perhaps the approach used in this case in building relationships could stand as an example for others to follow as well.