PRESIDENT Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week for an official two-day visit. This is Al-Sisi's second visit this year. The visit was an opportunity to reinforce bilateral relations and consult and coordinate on a number of issues including combating terrorism along with regional and international issues. In a meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Al-Sisi stressed the importance of maintaining unity amongst states in crisis and supporting their institutions to combat terrorism. The president said that the security of Gulf countries is an integral part of Egyptian national security. Meanwhile, Al-Nahyan expressed his keenness on dialogue with Egypt recognising Egypt's role as a key pillar of security and stability in the Arab world. The two leaders re-asserted their intention to deal with extremism across the region and eliminating interference in the internal affairs of various Arab countries. “The Emirati-Egyptian coordination has proved its firmness over the past years in facing various challenges in the region, foremost of which is the challenge of terrorism, which has become a serious global threat that cannot be tolerated,” Al-Nahyan said to UAE state news agency Wam. Meanwhile, Al-Sisi affirmed the “two countries' keenness to consult one another on the current challenges faced by the region” which require “joining efforts to protect Arab national unity against attempts to destabilise Arab states and interfere in their domestic affairs." The visit comes after Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain cut diplomatic and travel ties with Qatar in June, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism and trying to destabilise the region.
