Khaberni - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi confirmed Egypt's full support for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in light of the current regional escalation, reiterating Cairo's categorical rejection and condemnation of the vile and unjustified attacks targeting the lands of Arab countries and attempts to harm their security and resources.
El-Sisi's statements came during a short Gulf tour that included the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where he began his visit to Abu Dhabi by meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, affirming Egypt's full support for the Emirates under the current circumstances, and its support for the measures taken by the Emirati leadership to maintain security, stability of the country and the interests of its people.
The Egyptian President emphasized the rejection and condemnation of the Iranian attacks on the UAE and Arab countries, affirming that the security of the Arab Gulf states is an extension of the Egyptian national security, and Cairo's readiness to provide all forms of necessary support to maintain the security and stability of the Gulf states.
El-Sisi also reviewed the efforts made by Egypt to de-escalate, pointing to clear messages conveyed to the Iranian side that the Gulf states are not parties to the ongoing war, and that targeting them is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately, while continuing to work to urge all parties to return to the negotiating track as the only way to reach diplomatic solutions that preserve the stability, sovereignty and resources of the states according to international law and the United Nations Charter.
For his part, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed welcomed the visit of the Egyptian President, affirming that it reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries, expressing his appreciation for Egypt's supportive stance, and for its role in enhancing regional peace and stability, with an emphasis on continuing to coordinate and consult with Cairo.
The meeting also discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations in various fields, alongside discussing developments in a number of regional issues of mutual interest, with an emphasis on the importance of continued close consultation, and an exchange of congratulations on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
In Doha, El-Sisi met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, where both sides held a meeting attended by delegations from both countries, during which the Egyptian President confirmed Egypt's full support for Qatar and its alignment with all Gulf countries in facing the condemned attacks on their territories, and its support for the measures taken by Doha to defend its security, sovereignty and territory integrity.
El-Sisi again affirmed Egypt's readiness to provide all forms of support to maintain the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, reviewing the Egyptian communications and efforts to de-escalate, including the communication with the Iranian side, during which Cairo confirmed its rejection of the unjustified attacks on the sisterly states and the necessity of stopping them immediately.
El-Sisi also stressed that the security of the Gulf states is an integral part of Egyptian national security, and that the shared history and fate binding Egypt and Gulf states impose enhancing cooperation and collective action to face the current challenges and activate the concept of collective Arab national security.
On his part, the Emir of the State of Qatar expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Egyptian President and his keenness to communicate since the beginning of the crisis, praising Egypt's supportive stance for the stability and sovereignty of Qatar and the Gulf states, and affirming the depth of the historical relations between the two countries at official and popular levels.
The Emir of Qatar also affirmed the importance of continuing coordination and consultation with Egypt to restore regional stability and to reach peaceful solutions to the crises of the region, reviewing the efforts made by his country to defend its territories and its people.
The two sides agreed to intensify consultation in the coming phase regarding ways to de-escalate and restore regional stability.
