Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty denied any tensions in Egyptian-Saudi relations, emphasizing that they are “deeply rooted in history.”
During an interview on Sunday evening with Amr Adib on MBC Masr, Abdelatty asserted: “There are absolutely no disagreements regarding these relations, and what is being said on social media has no basis in reality.”
“There are parties interfering and fanning the flames, inciting ordinary people on both sides to fight over flimsy and imaginary reasons,” Abdelatty said.
“The relationship between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is eternal and deeply rooted in history. They are the two wings of the Arab and Islamic nations. Things will not be right in the Arab world or the Islamic world without the soundness of this relationship between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“The strength and prosperity of each of them is the strength of the other.”
Sisi and Trump likely to meet soon, Netanyahu ruled out
Abdelatty predicted a bilateral meeting between President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and US President Donald Trump next year, ruling out the possibility of the meeting expanding to include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“A meeting between President Sisi and Donald Trump is very likely within the framework of the distinguished relations between the two leaderships. This is a strong and longstanding relationship dating back to President Trump’s first election campaign. Therefore, it is a very strong relationship characterized by mutual respect and trust, in addition to its strategic nature. There is certainly a possibility of bilateral meetings between Sisi and Trump next year.”
“As for the reports that a trilateral meeting (including Trump, Sisi, and Netanyahu) is scheduled before this year, this is incorrect and untrue,” he clarified.
In response to a question about whether Egypt has any conditions for meeting Netanyahu, Abdelatty said: “The more progress is made in implementing President Trump’s plan (regarding Gaza), entering the second phase and implementing it, and the more seriousness and will are shown by the Israeli side regarding the requirements of the second phase, the more it will naturally have positive repercussions on the course of bilateral relations between the two countries.”
And regarding President Sisi’s approach to his ministers, the Egyptian Foreign Minister said, “His approach is extremely refined. His Excellency the President is an exceptional listener, and decisions are certainly not made hastily.”
Abdelatty continued, “There is prudence, wisdom, and a scientific methodology in decision-making, along with reliance on Egyptian state institutions and coordination among them. When the President elaborates and speaks from the heart, he usually touches the listener’s heart.”
