Mohamed attends Barnis Military Base inauguration

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt, along with several representatives of Arab and foreign countries, attended the inauguration of the Barnis Military Base located in the Southern Military Area of the Red Sea Governorate.

They also witnessed the launch of Qader 2020, the largest amphibious landing exercise using live ammunition involving members of the Egyptian Air Force and Navy.

The base will support the efforts to secure Egypt’s southern borders, economic interests and natural resources, as well as the operations of the Egyptian Southern Fleet in the Red Sea.

In his statement during the event, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed congratulated President el-Sisi on the opening of the base while praising its advanced capabilities and equipment, and adding that it is a significant addition to the Egyptian military and will ensure freedom of navigation and security in the Red Sea.

“The Egyptian Armed Forces are not only a bulwark of Egypt but also of the entire Arab world because Egypt’s strength is a force for all Arabs. Egypt, with its strong and advanced armed forces, is a factor in the region’s stability and peace,” His Highness Sheikh Mohamed said.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that the relations between the UAE and Egypt are fraternal and strategic and are deep-rooted at both official and social levels, in light of the joint visions of their leaderships and their consultations on relevant regional and international issues and challenges.

He also pointed out that strengthening the military capacities of the Egyptian military and other Arab armed forces will protect the gains of the region and its people, create a safe environment for economic and social development, and ensure regional and global security and peace, in view of the strategic importance of the Arab region and the Middle East to the world’s security and interests.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the efficiency, advanced skills and readiness of Egyptian soldiers, which were showcased at Qader 2020.

In his statement on the sidelines of the event, His Highness said, “The Arab people aspire for development and stability and reject conflicts and wars. But external interference in the affairs of the region causes tensions and drains efforts and capabilities.” He also called on the international community to establish peace in the region, to achieve the aspirations of its people for development and advancement.

The opening ceremony began with the arrival of Sheikh Mohamed, el Sisi and several guests from Egypt and friendly countries, along with defence ministers and chiefs of staff. Egypt’s national anthem was played, followed by the raising of the flag of the Egyptian Armed Forces by el-Sisi, which marked the base’s opening.

The head of the Armed Forces Training Authority gave a speech explaining Qader 2020, stressing that it highlights the ability of the Egyptian Armed Forces to protect the security and safety of the country, as well as its regional waters and national strategic interests.

Myriad inherent messages have been delivered by the state visit paid by the Sisi to the UAE in November, during which he received a warm welcome from Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed

The visit underscores the UAE’s unwavering determination to continue to play, along with Egypt, a significant role in establishing peace and tolerance in a region where - UAE steadfastly believes - Egypt has to remain a major power upon which Arabs rely to ward off besetting dangers and challenges.

In the meantime, the visit, which enjoyed a high-profile media coverage along with an impressive popular follow-up, is reflective of the two countries’ joint will to establish robust development partnerships, which have been translated in a number of bilateral agreements and MoUs signed during the visit. The most notable of these was the launch of a US$20billion strategic investment platform which reflects the UAE’s longstanding belief that Egypt’s security is an integral part of UAE’s and all Arab countries’ stability.

WAM