President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi spoke with the Saudi-owned channel Al-Arabiya on Saturday, tackling several issues that included his proposal for an inter-Arab joint defense force, as well as developments in diplomatic relations with Qatar and Turkey.
In the interview published on the channel's website, Sisi reiterated that the security of Gulf nations is part and parcel of Egypt’s own security. To that end, Sisi proposed what he called a joint Arab defense force to counter terrorism in the region.
“When we say a joint Arab force, we don’t mean for attacking, but for defending the security of our countries,” he said. “It is important in light of the [current] dangers and threats.”
Speaking of tense relations with Qatar, Sisi pointed to a Saudi-sponsored bid for reconciliation between both countries, which was halted by the death of late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz. “ “We are keen on appreciating the late [Saudi] King [Abdullah] by respecting his initiative. I want this to be clear to everybody.”
Sisi also accused Turkey of intervening in his country’s domestic affairs, as well as insulting the state through the media. He said that all these attempts to change realities in Egypt are also ways of trying to influence the will of the Egyptian people.
