Tuesday, Jul 05, 2011
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the UAEs support to Egypt and said political changes there would boost the confidence and optimism about Egypts faithful people to perpetuate its leading and pivotal role both on regional and international levels.
During his meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr Essam Sharaf at Al Rawda Palace in Al Ain yesterday, Shaikh Khalifa said: The UAE-Egypt relations have always been a model for brotherly relations in various circumstances, and the regional and international political scenes.
Shaikh Khalifa was quoted by WAM as saying that these relations are built on historical and bilateral relations between both countries and peoples.
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was present.
Changes in the political arena in Egypt would boost the confidence and optimism of Egypts people to perpetuate its leading and pivotal role both on regional and international levels, and will embody at the same time the strategic depth between the fraternal countries in the Arab world, said Shaikh Khalifa.
Shaikh Khalifa expressed his wishes for Egypt to overcome this critical phase of its history with determination and resolve in order to regain its position among other countries in the region and the world.
Shaikh Khalifa said that the UAE leadership, government and people will continue to support the Egyptian leadership and people in all matters due to the UAEs strong belief in the important role and strategic position of Egypt in creating a regional and international balance in the area.
Dr Sharaf also held talks with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Later in the day, Shaikh Mohammad hosted a banquet in honour of Dr. Sharaf and his delegation.
Dr Sharaf said that he was pleased to meet with Shaikh Khalifa and Shaikh Mohammad. He pointed out that his visit to the UAE emphasises the bilateral relations, gratitude and respect that the Egyptian leadership and government has for the UAE.
Economic recovery
He expressed his confidence that the bilateral relations between both countries will grow stronger in all fields during the upcoming phase of Egyptian history that is rich with the unwavering and brotherly stances that the UAE has taken with Egypt.
Political analysts told Gulf News the UAE and other Gulf countries should take the initiative to help Egypts economy recover following 18-day revolt that overthrew former president Hosni Mubaraks regime.
Although GCC member countries are very concerned about Egypts new foreign policy towards Iran, they should take the initiative to back Egypts economy, so that no foreign powers and especially Iran are allowed to jump in and make inroads into Egypt, said Dr Ebtisam Al Kitbi, professor of political science at the UAE University.
Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, professor of political science at the UAE University, said he did not expect the new orientation towards Iran to affect history-honoured relations between Egypt and ?the UAE.
By Samir Salama, Associate Editor
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
