Egypt and Saudi Arabia Align on Gaza and Lebanon Issues: Key Takeaways from Al-Sisi and Bin Salman’s Meeting
The Egyptian presidency has unveiled details of the discussions between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting a mutual agreement on issues concerning Gaza, Lebanon, and other regional matters.
During a bilateral meeting followed by an extended session attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Madbouly and delegates from both nations, President al-Sisi emphasized the strategic depth and centrality of Egypt-Saudi relations, especially amid threats facing the region.
President al-Sisi underscored the importance of continued coordination and cooperation to navigate the delicate current phase impacting their region and the wider Islamic world. He pointed to a keen mutual interest in translating the historic ties and connections between the two countries through enhanced bilateral institutional mechanisms, particularly through the newly inaugurated Egyptian-Saudi Coordination Council, chaired by both leaders, to consistently develop various aspects of their bilateral relations.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed the significance of bolstering bilateral relations and continuing to build on the historic bonds between the two nations and peoples to achieve mutual benefits across political, economic, and developmental dimensions.
Focus on Gaza and Lebanon: Seeking De-escalation The discussions also covered regional developments, primarily the situations in Gaza and Lebanon, where there was consensus on the severity of the regional situation and the necessity of halting escalations.
Both leaders emphasized that the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, remains the sole path to achieving lasting peace, calm, and security in the region. They noted that attempts to undermine the Palestinian cause could perpetuate regional conflict.
In this context, the leaders called for steps towards calm, including ceasefire initiatives in Gaza and Lebanon, addressing worsening humanitarian conditions, and halting brinkmanship policies that fuel the widening conflict cycle.
The talks reaffirmed the need to respect the sovereignty, security, and stability of Lebanon and the integrity of its territory. Additionally, the leaders discussed various regional issues, including the security of the Red Sea region and the situations in Sudan, Libya, and Syria.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the charter establishing the Egyptian-Saudi Coordination Council, chaired by President al-Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and an agreement on promoting and protecting mutual investments between the two countries.
President al-Sisi welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Cairo on Tuesday, marking the start of the prince’s official visit to Egypt.
