Qatari’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Friday called Egypt a major country in the region that plays a pivotal role in its security.
During an interview with Al-Araby TV, al-Thani said there are many opportunities for coordination between the two countries on various regional issues, especially after what happened in Palestine regarding Qatar and Egypt’s role in reaching a ceasefire.
“This shows the reflection of the outcomes of the Al-Ula summit on regional issues and cooperation with Egypt, which has produced effective results. We look forward to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries and in available fields,” he said, adding that Qatar desires “balanced and positive relations” with all Arab countries.
The Qatari foreign minister affirmed that “the meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was very positive and we appreciate his reception for us.”
President Sisi received the Qatari minister in the presence of his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, the head of Egyptian Intelligence, Abbas Kamel, and the head of the Qatari State Security Service, Abdullah Al-Khulaifi.
Egypt’s Presidential spokesperson Bassem Rady Rady said: “The Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs appreciated the strategic and pivotal role that Egypt plays under the leadership of the president in protecting Arab national security and defending the Arab nation’s issues, as well as Egypt’s efforts and tireless endeavors to establish security, stability and development within the region.”
Sisi asked the Qatari Foreign Minister to “convey his greetings to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar,” expressing Egypt’s happiness with the recent developments in Egyptian/Qatari relations.
The Egyptian President stated that he is ready for progress that serves the goals and interests of the two state while preserving the security and stability of the Arab region.
Egypt and Qatar met in Kuwait in February for the first time since ending the years-long diplomatic freeze between the two countries in January.
The resumption of ties came after nearly four years of a row between Qatar and Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE over Qatar’s alleged terrorism sponsorship and its close relations with Iran.
The countries agreed to reconcile during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s summit meeting in al-Ula, Saudi Arabia in January.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
