Egypt, UAE call for peaceful solutions to regional crises

By Lina Altawell

ISTANBUL (AA) – The presidents of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates called Monday for peaceful solutions to regional crises to avoid any escalation in the region.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Abu Dhabi on Monday for talks with his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

During the visit, Sisi toured the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, where he was briefed on the university’s facilities, academic programs and research in advanced technology and artificial intelligence, a presidency statement said.

The Egyptian president praised the coordination and cooperation between Cairo and Abu Dhabi, particularly in trade and investment, and said Egypt remains open to further Emirati investment.

He described relations between the two countries as “a fundamental pillar of Arab national security and regional stability,” the statement said.

Bin Zayed, for his part, said the UAE is keen to expand cooperation with Egypt to “broader horizons,” including trade and investment, according to the statement.

The talks also covered regional developments, with both leaders stressing the importance of Arab solidarity at what they described as a “critical stage” for the Middle East.

They discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the need for the “full implementation” of the Oct. 10 ceasefire, the advancement of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, particularly ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin later this month, the presidency said.

Both leaders underscored the need to swiftly begin early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and reaffirmed the importance of achieving a “just and comprehensive peace” based on a two-state solution, “in a way that ensures lasting peace, security, and regional stability.”

The two presidents also reiterated the need to continue efforts to resolve regional crises through peaceful means, “in a way that preserves the unity and territorial integrity of states and the resources of their peoples, and avoids any escalation in the region given the repercussions such escalation would have for all.”