JEDDAH — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi praised Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries for supporting Egypt in times of crisis. “The relationship between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and Egypt and its brothers in the Gulf, has been strong and stable for years,” said Sisi in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya News Channel. He described ties between Cairo and Riyadh as having “a long history of stability, solidarity and understanding,” and commended Saudi Arabia's supportive position during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, the oil embargo of the same year, and its support for the will of the Egyptian people on the uprising that ousted Mohammad Morsi in 2013. “Go back to history. When Egypt was facing the aggression of 1956, King Salman was among the fighters,” he said. “The Gulf States: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait played a huge role in supporting the Egyptian people's will until today. And this will not be forgotten.” Sisi said his visit to Saudi Arabia was in order to congratulate Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and hold talks especially at a time when the region is going through “difficult conditions.” When asked about the recent Saudi-brokered reconciliation between Egypt and Qatar, Sisi said: “We are keen on appreciating the late King (Abdullah) by respecting his initiative.” During the 45-minute interview, Sisi also reiterated the need for a joint Arab force in order to ensure stability in the region. “When we say a joint Arab force, we don't mean for attacking, but for defending the security of our countries,” he said. “It is important in the light of the dangers and threats.” When asked about the Arab countries that could begin working on the initiative, Sisi said: “I think Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The king of Jordan agreed with the move, as we are in utmost need to execute this initiative at this time.” “The stability of the Gulf is stability for Egypt,” the Egyptian president added. On Syria, Sisi said the conflict in the war-ridden country should come to end through a political process and not military means.
