Cairo, Riyadh to further bolster bilateral ties, co-operation on regional issues

The recent visit by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud to Egypt has raised great hopes for further co-operation between the two nations, both at the bilateral and the regional levels. It highly expected to prove pivotal in broadening the scope of future relations.
During the visit, the two sides have highlighted the key role of the Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council, co-chaired by the Crown Prince and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. This platform has demonstrated as effective as ever in advancing ties and serving mutual interests.
A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit highlighted Egypt’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating the experiences of pilgrims and visitors from Egypt.
During the talks, President Sisi congratulated the Saudi Crown Prince on Riyadh’s successful bid to host the 2030 World Expo. Bin Salman, for his part, voiced appreciation for Egypt’s support to the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The two leaders reviewed the ongoing efforts that aim to further advance the Egyptian-Saudi economic partnership, particularly in fields of investment and trade, as well as other domains such as energy, transportation and tourism.
Bilateral trade approximately hit $8.4 billion during the 1H of 2024, marking a 41 per cent rise compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
It is worth mentioning that Saudi Arabia is Egypt’s second-largest trade partner at the global level.
Both nations have reiterated commitment to addressing potential challenges, and encouraging joint ventures and investment events in line with the strategic visions of both.
They also lauded the progress achieved in the electrical interconnection project between the national grids in both, emphasized the importance of continued co-operation in renewable energy and clean hydrogen technology.
On defence and security, the two countries stressed determination to bolster co-operation in combatting terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity, aiming to consolidate regional stability and security.
Referring to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, President Sisi and the Saudi Crown Prince voiced deep concern over the violence and the unprecedented numbers of civilian casualties of the conflict, mainly Palestinians.
They called for concluding a sustainable ceasefire, and providing due protection for civilians, while condemning attacks targeting Islamic shrines in Jerusalem.
The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian cause based on the two-state solution.
The Egyptian-Saudi discussions also touched on development in Lebanon, as Cairo and Riyadh voiced concerns over Israel’s escalation. They affirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, urging international intervention to secure a lasting ceasefire.
On Yemen, Egypt and Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with the Presidential Leadership Council – the executive body of Yemen’s internationally recognised government-and also support for the international efforts aiming to achieve stability in the country. They also urged the Houthis to engage constructively in peace initiatives.
In the meantime, Sisi and Bin Salman stressed the importance of ensuring free and safe navigation in the Red Sea.
They also stressed the necessity of concluding a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict in the Sudan, and reiterated commitment to supporting stability in Libya and Somalia, lauding the international efforts seeking to realise peace and unity in the region.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to bolstering co-operation and coordination in addressing regional challenges, to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for the people in both countries, as well as the region at large.