Relations between Cyprus and Iran were boosted when a delegation led by Education Minister Dr. Mojtaba Shariati Niasar visited the island and met with Education Minister Costas Kadis.

The Iranians toured Cyprus’ public and private universities.

Mr. Kadis commented that Iran needs to recognise degrees from Cypriot universities, and has accepted an invitation to visit Iran.

Mr. Niasar plans to offer 15 scholarships to Cypriot postgraduates to study in Iranian universities.

The minister is a professor at the University of Teheran and specialises in nanotechnology.

Cyprus and Iran have traditionally good relations in spite of tensions over Teheran’s nuclear ambitions. After a nuclear arms deal was reached between Iran and the international community, sanctions were dropped and relations could now start improving further.

Israel is against Iran, accusing it of sponsoring terrorist groups like Hezbollah. Tel Aviv could take exception to closer relations between Cyprus and Iran, but so far there has been no reaction.

The island’s best role is that of regional bridge-builder. It’s possible that ways could be found to moderate Iran’s refusal to recognise Israel.

As an Islamic republic, however, Iran is by definition always closer to religious extremism than it is to secular governmental pragmatism.

There is a long way to go before real trust can be built with Iran.

However, economic considerations may shorten the distance; Iran is a major fossil fuel power and may be interested in cooperating on energy projects.

After discovering offshore natural gas in 2012, Cyprus has struck energy cooperation deals with several regional countries, including Egypt, Israel and Lebanon.

Iran already has the Tabriz-Ankara natural gas pipeline and considerable experience in developing the energy industry. The education sector would be a natural place to start exchanging ideas and experience.