Sisi’s visit bolsters already-strong relations

Egypt always holds a special place in the hearts of UAE nationals and residents. There are multi-dimensional links connecting the two countries and the two peoples, especially in the light of huge presence of the Egyptian community in the UAE.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s two-day state visit has helped strengthen the bond further.

The UAE and Egypt have close historic ties based on their awareness and understanding of the nature of regional and international developments and the importance of facing them with consistent and comprehensive policies and stances, to reinforce Arab and regional security.

The two countries have distinguished international statures, especially in light of their moderate and clear policies for facing regional challenges and establishing peace and stability in the region, as well as combating extremism and terrorism and promoting interfaith dialogue.

Abu Dhabi and Cairo have historic relations that were established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who strongly believed in Egypt’s position and pivotal role in the region.

The history of Egyptian-Emirati ties dates back to before 1971, when the UAE was established under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, who left a special will related to Egypt, stating, “The development of Egypt is the development of all Arabs. I told my sons to always support Egypt, and that is my will. I reiterate this before you, always stand by Egypt. That is the correct path to ensure the pride of all Arabs. Egypt is the heart of Arabs, if the heart stops, Arabs will not live.”

The UAE has always stood by Egypt during its difficult times, including during the Tripartite aggression against Egypt ‘Suez Crisis’ in 1956 and the following war in June 1967.

With His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President Sisi witnessing the exchange of a number of previously signed agreements and Memoranda of Understanding across various sectors, the two countries will work together to develop cooperation and mutual interest.

The agreements and MoUs include a pact between the governments of the UAE and Egypt to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion.

The UAE is ranked first in the world and the Arab region in terms of foreign direct investment, FDI, in Egypt, amounting to about $6.663 billion in 2018, compared to some $6.513 billion in 2017.

The value of trade between the two countries from January to October 2018 amounted to around $3 billion while the number of Emirati companies operating in Egypt totalled 1,065 in March 2019, compared to 923 in 2017.

As Sheikh Mohamed observed, recent developments have proven the strength of Emirati-Egyptian relations, as the two countries have stood together when facing risks that threaten the region’s security.

He has rightly highlighted the recent significant advancement of the ties in the areas of politics, economy, security and the military, as well as the considerable increase in the trade and the growing number of Emirati investments in Egyptian economic sectors.

Egypt is a key country in the Arab region and is one of the cornerstones of Arab security. Egypt’s security is as important as the UAE’s security, and its progress, development and stability are important to the UAE and all Arab countries. Confronting the challenges facing the Arab region requires intensifying the ongoing consultations between our countries and joint Arab action, as Sheikh Mohamed points out.