President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met on Saturday night in Sharm El Sheikh with King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. President El Sisi and King Salman held a bilateral session of talks, followed by an expanded meeting attended by the two countries’ delegations.
President El Sisi welcomed King Salman as a dear guest of Egypt, particularly in light of this delicate period when the Middle East is witnessing multiple and successive developments. The President expressed the appreciation of Egypt’s people and leadership for King Salman and for the firm historic bonds that the two countries share. President El Sisi reiterated the need to continue the periodic and intensive coordination and consultations between the two sides on regional issues of mutual interest at the highest level, reflecting the two countries’ commitment to strengthening the firm strategic alliance between them. This shall also enhance Arab and Islamic unity in the face of the various challenges currently facing the region.
King Salman confirmed that his current visit to Egypt further promotes the outstanding relations that bind Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which share a common fate and a common future. He added that the visit also comes to reinforce the frameworks of bilateral cooperation across all levels, hoping that it will generate further momentum to the longstanding and solid bonds the two countries share at both the official and popular levels. The King of Saudi Arabia lauded Egypt’s efforts to organize the first EU-League of Arab States summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, which shall contribute to strengthening mechanisms of mutual consultations between the Arab world and Europe with regard to the growing joint threats.
The meeting focused on ways to bolster the various aspects of bilateral relations, notably at the economic and investment levels. This is in addition to establishing more joint projects given the promising investment opportunities the two sides offer. The talks also touched on ways to leverage all areas of cooperation so as to enhance integration between the two countries.
The two leaders also discussed a number of regional dossiers, including Syria, Yemen, Libya, the security of the Red Sea as well as the Palestinian issue. The discussions reflected an alignment in views between the two sides with regard to the ways to address these issues. They agreed on continuing joint efforts toward reaching political settlements to the ongoing crises in a number of countries in the region that shall preserve their sovereignty and territorial integrity. This shall take place by developing a comprehensive vision to reinforce Arab capabilities to address the challenges facing the region and the growing threats to regional security.
There was an alignment in views regarding the importance of fostering closer Egyptian-Saudi cooperation and coordination as fundamental cornerstones to protect Arab national security and counter both external interference in the sovereign affairs of the region’s countries and endeavors to sow division between them. Those led recently to fomenting tension, fueling conflicts, and increasing terrorist and extremist activities.
President El Sisi reiterated Egypt’s adherence to its unequivocal position regarding the security of the Gulf, which is integral to Egypt’s national security, and rejecting any practices that seek to undermine its stability.
President El Sisi and King Salman also exchanged views on prospects for trilateral cooperation between the two countries and Africa, notably in light of Egypt’s current chairmanship of the AU. This shall take place by capitalizing on the promising and abundant developmental opportunities in Africa and by preserving the continent’s security and stability.
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