Egypt, Saudi Arabia emphasize strength, depth of bilateral relations

CAIRO, July 30 (KUNA) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and visiting Saudi Deputy Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Defense Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud stressed Thursday the strength and depth of bilateral relations.
Egypt's Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Alaa Yusuf said President Al-Sisi and Prince Mohammad discussed ways to further bilateral relations at various levels, namely the political, economic, and development arenas.
The ambassador noted that they also reviewed the developments on the Arab region, particularly the terrorist attacks on Arab nations and the malicious scheme of extremist groups to exploit the vacuum created by infighting and weakness in some Arab countries.
President Al-Sisi welcomed Prince Salman and asked him to convey his greetings and appreciation to Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The Egyptian leader stressed during the meeting that Cairo has always been and will continue to be a defender of Arab rights, adding that security of the Gulf region is a red line for Egypt and an integral part of its national security.
For his part, Prince Mohammad bin Salman conveyed to President Al-Sisi greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, praising the Egyptian stance toward the kingdom and the security of the Gulf region.
He also spoke highly about Egypt's effective role in promoting the joint Arab action at all levels.
Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry lauded the outcome of the talks in terms of contributing to boosting cooperation and integration between Egypt and Saudi Arabia on various levels, namely on the Arab and Muslim worlds.
Shoukry made his remarks in a joint press conference with Saudi counterpart Adel Al-Jubeir, reiterating the need to prioritize Arab and Islamic interests and to do all in power to maintain Arab security.
The Egyptian minister noted that Al-Jubeir's visit comes to bolster bilateral relations and to coordinate efforts in face of the regional and international challenges.
For his part, Al-Jubeir said that there is a desire by the two countries to upgrade bilateral relations, historic and strategic partnership.
Al-Jubeir added that a mechanism has been put in place to convey relations into new horizons, particularly in the energy, power, culture, and military security fields. (end) aff.mb