Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on Thursday to declare that the security of Gulf nations is an extension of Egypt’s national security, following what he described as “sinful and unjustified” Iranian attacks on the region.
The Egyptian leader conducted the two-stop tour to express Cairo’s full solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) under current regional circumstances. During the visit, Sisi emphasised Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempts to undermine the security or assets of neighbouring Arab states.
In the United Arab Emirates, Sisi was received by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE, Essam Ashour. Following a private bilateral meeting, Sisi affirmed Egypt’s absolute support for the UAE’s measures to maintain its stability and the interests of its people. He specifically condemned Iranian attacks on the UAE and other Arab nations, stating that Egypt is prepared to provide all necessary forms of support to preserve the security of the Gulf.
The official spokesperson for the presidency, Mohamed el-Shenawy, noted that Sisi had conveyed a clear message to Iranian officials stating that Gulf nations are not a party to the ongoing war. Sisi described the Iranian actions as “unacceptable and unjustified,” calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic negotiations based on international law and the UN Charter.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the visit, noting it reflects the close brotherly ties between the two countries. He expressed appreciation for Egypt’s steadfast role in maintaining regional peace and stressed the importance of continued coordination to enhance security. The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and exchanged greetings for Eid al-Fitr.
Following his stop in the UAE, Sisi travelled to Qatar, where he was met at Hamad International Airport by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Egyptian Ambassador to Qatar, Walid el-Feki.
During an expanded meeting with delegations from both nations, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s “full alignment” with Qatar and all Gulf states against the recent condemned attacks. He affirmed Egypt’s support for Qatar’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sisi briefed the Qatari leadership on Egypt’s efforts to reduce escalation, including direct communications with Iran to demand an end to attacks on sisterly nations.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed deep appreciation for Sisi’s visit and his proactive communication since the start of the current crisis. The Emir highlighted the “deeply rooted historical relations” between the two countries and stated that Qatar values consultation with Egypt to restore regional stability and reach peaceful solutions.
The leaders agreed to intensify bilateral consultations to focus on de-escalation and the restoration of regional order. Sisi concluded the tour by stating that the shared history and destiny of Egypt and the Gulf necessitate the activation of “collective Arab national security.”
The president returned to Cairo on Thursday evening following the conclusion of the talks.
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