President Sisi Pays Several-Hour Visit to UAE, Qatar

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday paid a fraternal several-hour visit to both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

The visit comes within the framework of Egypt’s full solidarity and support for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in light of current regional conditions, as well as Egypt’s condemnation and outright rejection of the unjustified attacks on the territories of these sisterly nations and attempts to undermine their security and resources.

The president began his visit by heading to the United Arab Emirates, where he was received by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as Egypt’s Ambassador to the UAE Essam Ashour, Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el Shennawy said.

A closed bilateral meeting was held between the two leaders.

President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the UAE under the current circumstances, and Egypt’s backing of the measures taken by the Emirati leadership to safeguard the country’s security and stability, and the interests of its people.

He also stressed Egypt’s rejection and condemnation of the Iranian attacks on the UAE and other sisterly Arab countries.

The president emphasized that the national security of the Gulf states is an extension of Egypt’s national security, affirming Egypt’s readiness to provide all forms of support necessary to preserve the security and stability of the UAE and the Gulf region.

He reviewed Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions, noting that Egypt has conveyed a clear message to the Iranian side that the Gulf states are not part of the ongoing conflict and that attacks against them are unacceptable and unjustified and must cease immediately.

He also affirmed that Egypt continues its efforts to urge all parties to return immediately to the negotiation track, which remains the only path to diplomatic solutions that preserve the stability, sovereignty, and resources of nations in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed welcomed President Sisi’s visit, noting that it reflects the strong fraternal ties between the two countries and peoples.

He expressed appreciation for Egypt’s steadfast support for the UAE and its role in maintaining regional peace and stability, stressing the UAE’s commitment to continued coordination and consultation with Egypt.

The two leaders also discussed distinguished bilateral relations and ways to further strengthen them across various fields in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their peoples.

They also reviewed regional developments of mutual concern, emphasizing the importance of continued close consultation to achieve regional security and stability.

The two leaders exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

President Sisi then traveled to the sisterly State of Qatar, where he was received upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, along with Egypt’s Ambassador to Qatar Walid el Feqi and officials of the Egyptian embassy in Doha.

The two leaders held an expanded meeting attended by the delegations of both countries, with President Sisi reaffirming Egypt’s full support for Qatar and its alignment with all Gulf countries in confronting the condemned attacks on their territories.

He stressed Egypt’s full backing of the measures taken by Qatar to defend its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as Egypt’s readiness to provide all forms of support necessary to preserve the security and stability of Qatar and the GCC countries.

The president also reviewed Egypt’s efforts and contacts aimed at reducing escalation and prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions, including communications with the Iranian side, during which Egypt expressed its condemnation of the unjustified Iranian attacks and called for their immediate cessation.

The two leaders exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his part, expressed his deep appreciation for President Sisi’s visit and his keenness to maintain communication since the beginning of the current crisis.

He also praised Egypt’s consistent position in supporting the stability and sovereignty of Qatar and all GCC countries, highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations at both official and popular levels.

He affirmed Qatar’s commitment to coordination and consultation with Egypt aimed at restoring regional stability and reaching peaceful solutions to all regional crises, while reviewing Qatar’s efforts to legitimately defend its territory and people.

In this context, President Sisi reiterated that Egypt considers the security of the Gulf states an integral part of its national security, emphasizing that the shared history and common destiny of Egypt and the Gulf countries necessitate enhanced cooperation and joint action to face current challenges and revitalize the concept of collective Arab national security.

The two leaders also discussed a number of regional issues of mutual concern and agreed to intensify Egyptian-Qatari consultations in the coming period regarding ways to de-escalate tensions and restore regional stability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani saw President Sisi off at Doha International Airport.

Sisi returned home after completing the two visits.