The ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia are "special" and exceed normal ties between countries, Egypt's foreign minister said on Sunday, as Egypt hosts the Saudi foreign minister.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri and Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir appeared together at a joint press conference in Cairo, where much of the focus was on Yemen.
"I am happy with this opportunity," Shukri said, adding "the challenges we face are plenty and joint work between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is indispensable in achieving Arab national security."
Jubeir said he looks forward for more consultation and cooperation between the two countries.
Egypt is part of the coalition, led by the oil-rich Gulf country, which launched military operations against the Houthis in Yemen in March, after the Shia rebel movement made advances onto the Yemeni south.
Shukri said the two sides discussed the need for continued military operations in Yemen given the threats caused by the presence of "heavy weapons" in the hands of individuals who do not belong to "legitimate forces" in Yemen.
They also discussed humanitarian assistance provided to the people of Yemen.
The Egyptian and Saudi foreign minister asserted that there is close coordination between them over Syria and Yemen.
In response to a reporter's question, Jubeir said "there is no disagreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia when it comes to Syria, or when it comes to Yemen." He added that he does not know where these "impressions" come from, especially when it comes to these two countries.
During their talks prior to the conference, the two sides also discussed bilateral ties, Iraq and Libya, Shukri said.
Saudi Arabia is among the strongest backers of the Egyptian government and financially supports Egypt's struggling economy.
The monarchy was quick to show support to Egypt after the ouster of Muslim Brotherhood politician and former president Mohamed Mursi in 2013.
