Bin Rashed stresses importance of Egypt’s role in Arab arena

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, on Monday discussed with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the strengthening of fraternal relations and a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, UAE state news agency WAM reported. El-Sisi arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday for a two-day official visit to the UAE.

WAM said that during the meeting, "the relations of brotherly cooperation in various aspects and other vital areas of interest to both countries were discussed." The two sides also reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, especially with regard to regional interventions that destabilize the region and the region. In addition, the two sides discussed combating extremism, violence and terrorism, drying up sources of funding, platforms and ideologies.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan stressed "the depth of relations between the UAE and the Arab Republic of Egypt."

"Over the past years, the UAE-Egyptian coordination has proved its strength in the face of the various challenges in the region, foremost of which is the challenge of terrorism, which has become a serious global threat that can not be tolerated."

"The UAE stands firmly with Egypt in its war against terrorism, which can not stop or disrupt its vision of development, progress and prosperity for its people," he said. In a related context, the Egyptian president affirmed the "role of the UAE under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in promoting joint Arab action."

Al-Sisi stressed Egypt's keenness to continue developing bilateral relations at all levels and to continue intensive coordination between the two countries on various regional and international issues, stressing that "the security of the Gulf states is an integral part of Egypt's national security."

On the other hand, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed praised the role played by Egypt in helping to safeguard regional security. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening solidarity between the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain – the four countries standing together against Qatar over its support of extremist and terrorist groups.

The UAE and Egypt are also working to promote political stability in Libya, where the lack of a central authority has allowed extremist militant groups such as ISIL to gain a foothold in recent years. Mr El Sisi had also been received by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.