Sisi: Egypt and Saudi Arabia's interests are one
Cairo (Agencies): Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met yesterday in Cairo with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, affirming that the interests and objectives of the two countries are one. The official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, stated that the meeting witnessed consensus between President Sisi and the Saudi Crown Prince that relations between the two countries can only be exemplary within the Arab framework. Sisi stressed that Saudi Arabia’s security and that of the Gulf states is part of Egypt’s national security, while expressing his firm reservation, rejection, and full condemnation of any attacks or threats targeting the sovereignty of the Kingdom, its territorial integrity, or freedom of navigation in international sea lanes.
Both sides affirmed that current circumstances require greater solidarity and coordination between the two countries, reiterating that their interests and objectives are identical. The two leaders also agreed on the need to intensify efforts to formulate and implement practical measures to develop bilateral cooperation and remove any obstacles hindering the growth of trade and investment, thereby elevating relations to a level commensurate with the historical ties and strategic proximity between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian presidential spokesperson added that the talks addressed regional developments, with Sisi reiterating Egypt’s steadfast position in supporting Saudi Arabia and all Arab states in the face of current regional circumstances. They also reaffirmed the Egyptian-Saudi stance, which is keen on ensuring freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, as well as in the Red Sea. Sisi emphasized Egypt’s support for the measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its security and stability, and to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable political solution to the Yemeni crisis.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, the meeting saw an affirmation of the alignment between Egyptian and Saudi positions on the Palestinian file, and the necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution and resolutions of international legitimacy. They also stressed the need to implement the commitments of the second phase of the US President’s peace plan and Security Council Resolution 2803, alongside the urgent entry of sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza and an end to Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
The spokesperson also noted that the continuation of Egyptian and Saudi support for the security and stability of Sudan was discussed. They rejected equating the Sudanese Armed Forces with any militias or parallel illegal entities, and emphasized that any threat to the unity of Sudan and the integrity of its territory constitutes a danger to the collective security of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and all countries in the region.
He concluded by pointing out that the meeting also saw an affirmation of shared Egyptian-Saudi positions regarding support for the sovereignty and stability of all Arab states. The two leaders agreed to continue consultations and direct coordination in the coming period on various bilateral issues and regional developments.
For his part, the Saudi Crown Prince expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and stressed the solid brotherly bonds between the two countries. He also commended the continuous development of bilateral relations and the mutual commitment to continuing coordination and joint cooperation, as well as exploring new horizons for collaboration in various fields.
