Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Oman's Sultan Qaboos met for talks in Muscat on Sunday to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, Arab Gulf security and cooperation over counter-terrorism efforts, according to a statement by Egyptian presidency spokesman Bassam Rady. El-Sisi arrived earlier on Sunday for the three-day official visit, his first to the Gulf country, to intensify joint consultation and coordination to serve the interests of the two countries. "Talks between the two leaders covered several regional and international issues of mutual concern," said the presidential spokesman. On the situation in Yemen, President El-Sisi heard Sultan Qaboos' vision on efforts and means to solve the crisis and to alleviate the daily suffering of the Yemeni people. "The two leaders also agreed upon preserving state institutions and territorial unity in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq," he added. The pair further discussed enhancing cooperation in economic and trade relations. Sultan Qaboos praised Egypt's role as a major pillar of the security and stability of the Gulf and the Arab region, reaffirming his country's full support for Egypt's war on terrorism. On his side, President El-Sisi expressed appreciation for Sultan Qaboos' supportive stances toward the Egyptian people. El-Sisi's visit to Muscat is the first by an Egyptian president since 2009. After departing Oman, the Egyptian president will head to Abu Dhabi for three days to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on strengthening bilateral relations.
