Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan have called for greater cooperation to combat threats to Arab countries, including interference in their internal affairs, during talks in Egypt Wednesday.
El-Sisi and Al-Nahyan, who is also deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, held a bilateral meeting on development, economic and political cooperation in Ras El-Teen presidential palace in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, an Egyptian presidency spokesman said in a statement. This was followed by broader talks between delegations of the two countries.
The two sides stressed the importance of continuing "coordination and consultation to address the challenges facing the Arab nation and to reject interference in the internal affairs of the Arab countries which threatens the stability and security of their peoples,” presidency spokesman Bassam Rady said.
The crown prince said his country looks to boost coordination with Egypt to combat threats in the Arab world, on top of which are “extremism and terrorism and the continuation of regional interferences in Arab countries affairs,” according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt cut diplomatic, transport and trade ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism, meddling in their affairs and backing regional foe Iran – charges Doha denies.
Al-Nahyan said the UAE lends special attention to boosting ties with Egypt, considering it the linchpin of security and stability in the region, adding that supporting Egypt is “fundamental” to his country s foreign policy, WAM said.
The two called for greater “coordination and solidarity” between Arab countries to preserve the security and stability of the region.
During the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of agreements in trade and industry, housing and irrigation.
