Egypt reiterates: The security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf is an integral part of our national security

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati reiterated that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states is an integral part of Egyptian national security, expressing Cairo’s complete condemnation and categorical rejection of all the blatant violations to which the Kingdom has been subjected.

Abdul Ati said, during a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, on Thursday, that he visited Riyadh, accompanied by the head of General Intelligence, Minister Hassan Rashad, and they met with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince.

He also added that they conveyed a message of solidarity from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, which included affirming Egypt’s support for the Kingdom and calling for political solutions to prevail in parallel with supporting defense capabilities.

As for the water file, the Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed that the Nile River represents an existential issue for his country, stressing the complete rejection of any unilateral measures that affect its water rights.

He also renewed Cairo's rejection of any illegal steps to access the Red Sea, stressing Egypt's adherence to its position in support of respecting the sovereignty of states and preserving their national institutions.

At the level of regional crises, Abdel Ati pointed out that the Palestinian issue remains the pivotal issue in the Middle East, stressing the need to ensure full access of humanitarian aid to those in need.

He also condemned the violations committed by Israel against civilians in the West Bank.

Regarding the escalating tension between the United States and Iran, the Egyptian Foreign Minister said that he agreed with his Uzbek counterpart on the necessity of reducing the escalation to contain its potentially dangerous repercussions on regional stability and the global economy.

On the other hand, the two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Uzbekistan, including the possibility of benefiting from the expertise of the Al-Azhar Observatory to combat extremism, and expanding joint coordination in international forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.