Cairo, Riyadh reject regional parties’ interference in Arab affairs

‏Egypt and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their rejection of any attempts by “regional parties” to interfere in the internal affairs of the Arab countries, or threaten their stability, or undermine the interests of their people, either through ethnic or sectarian incitement, terrorism, or expansionist perceptions that pay no respect to sovereignty of states or good neighbourliness.

‏The two countries agreed to carry on with the fight against terrorist groups in the entire region.

‏The affirmation came during Egyptian Saudi Political Consultation and Follow-up Committee meeting in Cairo on Thursday . The meeting led by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri and Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

‏Prior to the committee meeting, senior officials from the two countries discussed a host of political issues of common concern.

‏Reviewing the distinguished bilateral ties at all levels, the two sides lauded the level of co-operation and coordination to boost security and stability of the two countries and their peoples.

‏The discussions reiterated the consensus between both countries regarding several issues and crises of the region, and the world. They emphasised the deep-rooted and strategic relations between the two countries, and the existence of serious political will to achieve regional stability, according to an official statement.

‏They also agreed to continue coordination to support national states as well as stability of the region and security of its peoples. They also stressed the importance of joint Arab action and the role of the Arab League and its mechanisms for settling regional crises in line with the relevant international resolutions and principles of the international law.

‏They also condemned any attempt that might target navigation in the Arab Gulf or Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They stressed the prime importance of free navigation in the waterways, and the necessity of combating any attempts to threaten regional or international security and stability.

‏The Egyptian side voiced solidarity with Saudi Arabia in all the measures it might take to protect its national security. It also rejected any aggression on the Kingdom’s territories, and stressed that security of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf is integral to Egypt’s security.

‏The Saudi side reiterated full support to Egypt’s water security as an integral part of the Arab water security, and stressed the necessity of concluding, as soon as possible, a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

‏Meanwhile, Cairo and Riyadh underlined the fact that the Palestinian cause, remains central for the Arab nation.