Egypt, UAE, Israel Discuss Repercussions of Ukrainian Crisis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. (WAM)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. (WAM)
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Egypt, UAE, Israel Discuss Repercussions of Ukrainian Crisis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. (WAM)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. (WAM)

In their first tripartite meeting, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Sharm El-Sheikh on Tuesday.

The talks addressed the repercussions of global developments, especially concerning energy, market stability, and food security.

Media and political sources said that the meeting also included a discussion of Iranian influence.

Sheikh Mohammed and Bennett arrived in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday, and each held a bilateral meeting with Sisi, according to Emirati and Israeli media, followed by the tripartite meeting.

Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said the tripartite meeting tackled the repercussions of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, especially its impact on energy and food security.

The official Emirates News Agency (WAM) said the meeting discussed ways of "enhancing relations between the three countries, and the importance of cooperation and coordination to drive development and enhance stability in the region and bolstering global energy security and market stability."

The meeting came about a month after Russia invaded Ukraine, which caused a significant hike in oil prices amid security concerns in several countries.

Egypt is facing significant challenges in energy and food security after the war in Ukraine put pressure on emerging market economies, which prompted Cairo to devalue the currency by 14 percent. Moscow and Kyiv are Egypt's leading two wheat suppliers.

The war also led to a decline in Egypt's tourism revenues from Russia and Ukraine to the Red Sea resorts.

The tripartite meeting also expressed the political desire to address security issues, namely the escalation by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in the region and the related negative repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and post-crisis arrangements.

They addressed the outcomes of the Iranian nuclear agreement talks and their impact on various political and security matters.

International relations and regional security expert Iman Zahran told Asharq Al-Awsat several indicators favor establishing tripartite cooperation and economic coalitions, most notably concerning the Egyptian-Israeli partnership in energy and the commercial partnership between the three countries.

In Tel Aviv, the tripartite meeting was announced a day in advance, but the government did not comment.

Bennett's office issued an official statement about the visit, noting that Sisi accompanied him to the airport.

The statement read that the PM met with Sisi and Sheikh Mohammed, noting that "against the backdrop of the recent developments in the world and the region, the leaders discussed the ties between the three countries and ways to strengthen them on all levels."

The visit is Bennett's second to Egypt. His first was in September last year.

Political sources in Tel Aviv stressed the importance of Bennett spending his night in Egypt for the first time in many years.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the tripartite meeting is part of Israeli orchestrated attempts to impose a blockade on Iran, which comprises all regional powers, including Turkey, backed by the US.



GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
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GCC Hails Kuwait on Arrest of Hezbollah Cell

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised on Tuesday security authorities in Kuwait on their arrest of a “terrorist cell affiliated with Hezbollah.”

In a statement, he condemned its plans to target Kuwait’s security and stability.

“This security achievement reflects the high level of vigilance and efficiency of Kuwaiti authorities and their ability to deal decisively and proactively with terrorist threats” to protect lives and maintain security, he added.

He stressed the GCC’s “firm and unwavering rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism, underscoring the full support of the GCC member states for all measures taken by Kuwait to maintain its security and stability, safeguard its sovereignty, and confront anyone who may seek to undermine its security or threaten the safety of its citizens and residents.”

“GCC member states will remain united in confronting terrorism, continuing to strengthen the collective security system and consolidate stability in the region, in a manner that serves the interests of their peoples and preserves their achievements,” he added.

The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry had on Monday announced the arrest of 14 Kuwaiti and Lebanese people for belonging to a Hezbollah terrorist cell that was plotting to destabilize the country and recruit new members.

A ministry spokesman said they plotted to undermine state sovereignty and stir instability in order to stoke chaos and harm public order.

They were arrested in possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as weapons used for assassinations. They also possessed drones, drugs, maps, money and arms used for training.

The detainees were referred to the Public Prosecution.


Qatar, Jordan Condemn Iran’s Attacks on the Region, Urge De-Escalation

This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
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Qatar, Jordan Condemn Iran’s Attacks on the Region, Urge De-Escalation

This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)
This handout picture released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan on March 17, 2026, shows Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (R) meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, at the Diwan in Doha. (Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Jordan's King Abdullah II condemned on Tuesday Iran’s attacks in the region, urging an immediate cessation of all military actions.

Sheikh Tamim welcomed the monarch in Doha for talks on regional developments and Iran’s blatant attacks against Qatar, Jordan and other countries in the region, reported Qatar’s state news agency QNA.

Sheikh Tamim stressed Qatar’s solidarity with Jordan, saying it supports all measures it takes to defend its sovereignty and security and to ensure the safety of its citizens. For his part, King Abdullah reiterated his country's solidarity and full support for all measures taken by Qatar to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.

They underscored the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to de-escalate and contain the ongoing tensions, and to work through diplomatic channels and dialogue to address crises in a way that helps prevent further deterioration in the region and boosts prospects for security and stability.

They discussed a host of regional and international issues of mutual concern, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between their two countries, especially in light of current developments and their implications for the region's security and stability.


Saudi, Algerian FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)
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Saudi, Algerian FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (AP file)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Tuesday a telephone call from his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf.

They discussed the latest regional developments and the ongoing efforts to address them.