President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt concluded a series of meetings Thursday with leaders in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, reaffirming Cairo’s support for Gulf states amid heightened regional tensions following recent Iranian attacks.
El-Sisi’s visits to Abu Dhabi and Doha were undertaken to demonstrate Egypt’s “unwavering solidarity” with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, according to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency. The Egyptian leader stressed that the security of the Gulf region is inextricably linked to Egypt’s own national security interests.
In Abu Dhabi, El-Sisi met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the meeting, El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s full backing for the UAE’s leadership and its efforts to ensure national stability, specifically condemning recent Iranian attacks targeting the Emirates and other Arab nations. He affirmed Egypt’s readiness to provide support to safeguard Gulf security, according to a statement from the Presidency Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy.
El-Shennawy further stated that El-Sisi conveyed a clear message to Iranian officials, asserting that Gulf states are not parties to the ongoing conflict and that attacks against them are unacceptable. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic negotiations, adhering to international law and the UN Charter.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed El-Sisi’s visit, praising Egypt’s consistent support and its role in promoting regional stability. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and the importance of continued coordination to enhance security, as well as exchanging greetings for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Following the UAE, El-Sisi travelled to Doha, where he was received by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During expanded talks, El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s full support for Qatar and all GCC states, backing their right to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
El-Sisi briefed Sheikh Tamim on Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions, including direct communications with Iran, emphasizing Cairo’s rejection of attacks on Gulf nations. Sheikh Tamim expressed appreciation for El-Sisi’s proactive engagement since the start of the current crisis, highlighting the “deeply rooted historical relations” between Egypt and Qatar.
The Qatari Emir stated that Qatar values consultation with Egypt to restore regional stability and reach peaceful solutions. Both leaders agreed to intensify bilateral consultations to focus on de-escalation and the restoration of regional order.
El-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.” He returned to Cairo Thursday evening following the conclusion of the talks.
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