President Abdel Fattah El Sisi asserted Tuesday that Egypt welcomed the recent developments in the course of Egyptian-Qatari relations, indicating that he looks forward to achieving progress in this regard in such a manner that would serve the goals and interests of the two countries and two peoples and preserve the security and stability of the Arab region.
The president’s remarks came as he received Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri, Head of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel and Head of the State Security Service Abdullah Al-Khulaifi, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi said.
The president also affirmed Egypt’s keenness to achieve co-operation, construction and support for Arab solidarity as a firm strategic approach to its policy, within a framework of mutual respect, common interests and sincere intentions.
The president also underscored the importance of focusing efforts to achieve good, peace and development for the peoples of the two countries and join hands to ward off dangers from the entire Arab nation and safeguard its national security.
The Qatari foreign minister conveyed a message from the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to President including an invitation to him to visit Doha. Emir Tamim also voiced aspiration to enhance talks between the two countries on ways to develop bilateral relations and discuss the latest developments in the regional and international scene and coordinate stances in such a way that serves the aspirations of the two countries.
The Qatari minister also appreciated the strategic and pivotal role Egypt plays under the leadership of President Sisi in protecting Arab national security and defending the Arab nation’s issues as well as Egypt’s tireless efforts to consolidate security, stability and development at the regional level.
President Sisi and the Qatari minister also agreed during the meeting to intensify joint consultations and coordination between Egypt and Qatar, including the exchange of visits by senior officials during the coming period to boost bilateral relations as well as at the level of joint Arab action in order to achieve construction, development, peace and preservation of Arab national security.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri has emphasised to the Qatari foreign minister the importance of building on the signing of the Al-Ula communique between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar in January this year through taking more measures to enhance the positive atmosphere during the coming period.
The two foreign ministers also discussed the importance of working to take advantage of the great economic and investment opportunities available in the two countries in order to achieve the interests of the two countries and peoples.
The Egyptian top diplomat reviewed ways to advance the mechanisms of joint Arab action in facing challenges, especially in the light of Qatar’s presidency of the Arab League council. He also discussed the two countries’ positions on the most important regional issues, including the developments of the Ethiopian dam file.
