Riyadh and Cairo are setting up the framework for the Saudi-Egyptian Higher Coordination Council, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said.
Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat the move strengthens political, economic, and development ties between the two nations.
In a televised statement on Thursday, Abdelatty said: “We are working on the council’s coordination structure,” highlighting the “strong strategic partnership and continuous cooperation” between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed an agreement in Cairo in October to establish the council, which they will co-chair.
In November, Egypt approved the council, saying it aims to strengthen cooperation and communication between the two countries in various fields.
Saudi journalist Khaled Al-Majrashi called the council a step toward deeper Saudi-Egyptian integration, focusing on investment and trade under the guidance of both nations’ leaders.
“The council sets a framework for future collaboration, particularly in areas like investment and trade, under the directives of both nations’ leaderships,” Al-Majrashi said, citing earlier remarks by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi about his mandate to promote investment in Egypt.
Former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Rakha Ahmed Hassan said the council will remove obstacles to cooperation and deepen ties across all sectors.
Egyptian Senator Dr. Abdel Monem Said described Saudi Arabia and Egypt as the region’s “balancing pillars,” saying stronger cooperation is crucial to tackle regional challenges. He called the council a key step toward stability and joint action.
“No Arab country can face regional instability alone,” he said, adding that the council will help protect both nations from threats and improve coordination on shared challenges.
In September, Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said the council would deepen ties and boost cooperation in politics, trade, investment, and development.
Last month, Egypt’s government said the council will include officials from both sides, hold regular meetings in both countries, and replace the previous joint committee framework.
