Egypt is the region’s safety valve for Arabs: UAE

18 September 2014

The leaders discussed the fraternal cooperation between the UAE and Egypt, matters of common interest, and international and regional issues.

Egypt is the region’s strategic lynchpin and a safety valve for Arab countries and their peoples, said General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi at the Ittihadiya Presidential Palace in Cairo on Wednesday, Gen Shaikh Mohammed emphasised the importance of the country’s vital regional and international role and said the leadership and people of the UAE stand alongside Egypt based on its strong belief in the nation’s stature.

The leaders discussed the fraternal cooperation between the UAE and Egypt, matters of common interest, and international and regional issues.

Gen Shaikh Mohammed affirmed the UAE’s interest, under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in remaining the best supporter of Egypt towards a new renaissance and a new start in order to enable it to confront different challenges in a patriotic spirit that will enable it to continue its process of development towards the achievement of the Egyptian people’s aspirations for a future full of well-being, progress and growth. Gen Shaikh Mohammed, in his remarks at the meeting, which was attended by Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, noted the constructive role Egypt plays as it supports the regional efforts to achieve stability and combat terrorism and violence. He also expressed his confidence that Egypt, with the help of the determination of its people and national institutions, will restore its vital stature and leading regional role.

The two sides discussed the excellent bilateral relations and their growth and development thanks to the support given by the leaders of the two countries towards the achievement of common strategic interests of the two countries and their peoples.

They also discussed the continuance of coordination, the enhancement of economic and trade relations, as well as support for the creation of strategic partnerships between the nations’ relevant bodies and institutions in different sectors.

On his part, the Egyptian president requested General Shaikh Mohammed to convey his greetings and best wishes to Shaikh Khalifa.

Sisi expressed his delight and satisfaction with the advanced level achieved by the fraternal relations between the two countries.

He also expressed his country’s interest in bolstering and developing these relations for the interests of the two countries and their peoples.

Sisi also noted the development initiatives the UAE has been taking for the Egyptian people since the establishment of the historical relations between the two countries by the UAE Founding Father, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

At the meeting, they also discussed the regional, Arab and international developments, exchanged views on matters of common interest and stressed on the need for making all efforts to achieve peace, security and stability, as well as for combating terrorism and extremism in the region.