Egypt is a historic leader of the Arab world, being one of the region’s most populous countries, with the largest economy and a long cultural heritage in the region. This heritage has, at times, played a key role in both Arab Nationalism and the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood. As such, Cairo is a key bellwether of the region.
Today, Egypt is outside the circle of countries being attacked by Iran, maintaining close ties with the Gulf, particularly Saudi Arabia. Like Riyadh, it had done outreach to Iran in the last several years. Iran also wanted better ties with Egypt.
Now, Egypt could play a role in regional diplomacy. It appears that, along with Turkey, Cairo has been playing a regional role of influence, and the president’s visit shows a strategy symbol.
Egypt reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia
Egypt and Turkey are both close partners of the US and the West.
Sisi “reiterated his condemnation of Iran’s ‘heinous’ attacks against Saudi Arabia and the region, saying Egypt stands by the Kingdom against any threat to its sovereignty and security,” Asharq al-Awsat said. “The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, chief of intelligence Hassan Rashad and other officials.”
The state Saudi Press Agency noted that “during the meeting, both parties emphasized that repeated Iranian attacks on GCC states and the targeting of vital civilian infrastructure constitute a ‘dangerous escalation’ that threatens regional stability.
” It also said that “the Saudi delegation included Minister of State Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, Royal Court Advisor Mohammad Al-Tuwaijri, General Intelligence Chief Khalid Al-Humaidan, and the Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh Al-Hussaini.”
Sisi has been on a regional tour. He was also in Bahrain, where he held talks with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. “The two heads of state addressed ongoing Iranian aggressions, describing them as violations of national sovereignty and international law that endanger global peace and security.
Sisi was received upon arrival by King Hamad and was later seen off by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa following the conclusion of the talks.” Sisi was also in the UAE and Qatar. “The tour is intended to underscore Egypt’s support for GCC states in the face of current challenges and to signal Cairo’s rejection of ‘unjustified attacks’ against the security of neighbouring countries,” SPA said.
When Sisi was in the UAE on March 19, the local state media WAM said that the meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan “also addressed developments in the Middle East amid ongoing military escalation and their serious implications for regional and international security and stability.
His Excellency El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and a number of other countries in the region, noting that they constitute a violation of state sovereignty and international law. In this regard, His Excellency El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s solidarity with the UAE in the measures it is taking to uphold its security, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people.”
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Daily Sabah wrote on March 22 that Turkey’s “Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan wrapped up a Gulf tour over the weekend and told reporters that the international community had more confidence in his country as Ankara pursued a principled stand in the US-Israel-Iran war.”
“We see the confidence in Turkey is rising (after the war began). We never adopted an ambivalent stance on the matter. Everyone is aware that we told each side what mistakes they made. We strongly and clearly voice our opinion about how it was wrong what was done to Iran and as well as to the Gulf countries,” Fidan told journalists on Saturday, Daily Sabah noted.
“Fidan also said that the Gulf countries said during a meeting in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh that they may have to take action if the current situation persists, stressing the increased risk level.
The minister embarked on a regional tour encompassing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this week,” it added.
