Egypt reiterates rejection of attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty
Cairo, Riyadh reaffirm commitment to ensuring security, freedom of navigation in Straits of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb
Bin Salman lauds Egypt’s role in supporting regional stability, peace
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the visiting Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Tuesday.
The meeting underscored the depth of Egypt-Saudi ties and the two countries’ shared positions on regional security, the protection of Gulf security and freedom of navigation.
President Sisi hailed the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries. He conveyed his greetings to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He also congratulated the King, the Crown Prince and the Saudi people on the upcoming Saudi National Day on September 23, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy said.
For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed the Saudi King’s greetings to President Sisi and expressed appreciation for the warm welcome. He stressed the strength of the relations between the two countries and the importance of continued coordination and co-operation in various fields of mutual interest.
The two leaders agreed that Egypt-Saudi relations should remain exemplary within the Arab world, affirming that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states is an integral part of Egypt’s national security.
President Sisi also reiterated Egypt’s full rejection and condemnation of any attacks or threats targeting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity, as well as freedom of navigation in international waterways, the presidency spokesman said.
The two leaders said that current regional circumstances require greater solidarity and coordination.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia share common interests and objectives, the president said, adding that the Crown Prince’s visit reflects the deep solidarity and fraternal ties between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and all Gulf states.
The two leaders also agreed to step up efforts to develop practical measures to expand bilateral co-operation and remove obstacles to increasing trade and investment, with the aim of bringing economic ties at par with the two countries’ historic relationship and strategic proximity, Ambassador Shennawy said.
Regional developments
The meeting also addressed regional developments and current challenges. President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for Saudi Arabia and other Arab states amid the current regional crisis.
Both sides stressed the need for closer coordination and communication, while Saudi Crown Prince praised Egypt’s role under President Sisi in supporting regional stability and peace, as well as its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in confronting recent geopolitical challenges.
The two sides also reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring the security and freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea.
President Sisi voiced support for measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its security and stability and for efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting political settlement to the Yemen crisis.
Gaza, Sudan
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared stances on the Palestinian cause and stressed the need for a just and comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.
They also called for implementing the commitments of the second phase of the US president’s peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, while stressing the need to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza and halt Israeli violations in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to the presidency spokesman.
On Sudan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their support for the country’s security and stability and stressed the need to preserve the unity of its national institutions.
They rejected any attempts to equate the Sudanese Armed Forces with militias or other illegitimate parallel entities, stressing that any threat to Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity poses a risk to the collective security of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain direct consultations and close coordination between the two countries in the coming period on bilateral issues and regional developments.
