CAIRO, (AP) — The presidents of Egypt and Tunisia pledge to open a new chapter in relations following uprisings that overthrew longtime rulers, replacing them with a Muslim Brotherhood figure and an activist who was exiled.

After meeting with Egypt’s new Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo, Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki told reporters that the two nations will rebuild ties after what he described as years of stagnant, routine relations.

Marzouki was exiled for his political activism, and Morsi was jailed for his activities with the Brotherhood under the former regime.

Tunisians overthrew Zine El Abidine Ben Ali last year sparking Egypt’s revolt, which ousted longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak.

Success of the revolts in the two North African nations inspired similar pro-democracy uprisings in Libya, Yemen, Syria and other countries.