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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in Cairo on Tuesday, during a meeting where both sides affirmed the unity of their countries' interests and shared goals amidst current regional challenges. The discussions covered ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across various fields and coordinate positions on regional and international issues. Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, indicated that President El-Sisi praised the depth of the brotherly relations binding the two nations. He highlighted a consensus between the Egyptian President and the Saudi Crown Prince that relations between the two countries must remain exemplary within the broader Arab framework. El-Sisi emphasized that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states is an integral part of Egypt's national security, expressing Egypt's full reservation, rejection, and condemnation of any attacks or threats that undermine the Kingdom's sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity, or freedom of navigation in international maritime passages. Both sides underscored that current circumstances necessitate greater solidarity and coordination between their nations, given the alignment of their interests and objectives, and the absolute understanding between them. The leaders agreed on the importance of intensifying joint efforts to formulate and implement practical measures aimed at developing bilateral cooperation across all sectors, and removing any obstacles that might hinder the increase of trade and investment volumes. This approach seeks to elevate relations to a level commensurate with the historical ties and strategic neighborhood shared by Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Regarding regional developments and current challenges, the official spokesperson added that the discussions delved deeply into these files. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's steadfast position in supporting Saudi Arabia and all Arab states in confronting evolving regional conditions. The shared Egyptian-Saudi stance, committed to ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as well as in the Red Sea, was also affirmed. El-Sisi stressed 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. Concerning the Palestinian issue, the meeting affirmed the congruence of Egyptian and Saudi positions, underscoring the necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions. Emphasis was also placed on the need to implement the requirements of the second phase of the US President's peace plan and Security Council Resolution No. 2803, alongside the urgent need to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and halt Israeli violations in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The two sides also discussed continued Egyptian and Saudi support for the security and stability of Sudan, stressing the exclusivity of its national institutions and rejecting the equation of the Sudanese Armed Forces with any militias or parallel illegitimate entities. It was emphasized that any threat to Sudan's unity and territorial integrity poses a danger to the collective security of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and all countries in the region. Concluding the meeting, a joint Egyptian-Saudi commitment to supporting the sovereignty and stability of all Arab states was reaffirmed. The leaders agreed to continue direct consultation and coordination in the upcoming period on various bilateral issues and regional developments. For his part, the Saudi Crown Prince expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality, stressing the deep-rooted brotherly ties between the two countries. Prince Mohammed bin Salman also commended the continuous evolution of bilateral relations and the mutual keenness to further coordination and joint cooperation, exploring new horizons for collaboration in various vital fields.
