Egypt, Bahrain Discuss Cooperation, Regional Developments

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)
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Egypt, Bahrain Discuss Cooperation, Regional Developments

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa receives Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi upon his arrival at Sakhir Air Base in Sakhir, Bahrain, June 28, 2022. (BNA)

Egyptian Abdel Fattah al-Sisi kicked off on Tuesday a two-day visit to Bahrain, flying in from Oman, as part of a Gulf tour.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Sisi at al-Sakhir Palace in Manama. The two leaders held official talks in the presence of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad.

The King praised Egypt's pivotal role as the pillar of security and stability in the region, highlighting its commendable efforts in championing Arab causes and boosting joint Arab action against various challenges.

Sisi stressed the importance of the relations, asserting: "We are always keen on holding such meetings to enhance cooperation between our two brotherly countries across various fields."

The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said the two sides reviewed the solid fraternal Bahraini-Egyptian relations and ways to further the strategic cooperation between them for the benefit of the two brotherly peoples.

King Hamad said Sisi's visit reflects the outstanding bilateral relations and embodies the keenness of the two countries' leaderships on constant communication, coordination, and consultation on various regional issues of mutual interest to serve their interests and address the problems of the Arab Nation.

The Egyptian presidency spokesman announced that the two leaders discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern that require concerted efforts to protect Arab national security and confront attempts to destabilize and interfere in their domestic affairs.

Ahead of his arrival in Bahrain, Sisi concluded a two-day official visit to Oman, during which six memoranda of understanding, two agreements, three executive programs, and letters of cooperation were signed.

Sisi met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in the Omani capital, Muscat.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, affirming the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and dialogue.

They stressed the depth of relations between their countries and underscored the need to develop them in various fields of cooperation, especially the economic, investment, tourism, and scientific levels.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest.

A joint statement issued after the Egyptian President visited Oman affirmed the two countries' strong desire to strengthen bilateral relations and advance them towards broader horizons.

The Egyptian spokesman said Sultan Haitham valued Egypt's prominent role in enhancing the mechanisms of joint Arab action in the face of the current crises and challenges in the region.

He noted that the role of Egypt is a model to be emulated in preserving stability and improving the economic and social conditions in the Arab world.

The meeting discussed ways to foster closer cooperation, notably in trade and economic relations and joint investments, particularly in light of the outcomes of the Joint Business Council and the Egyptian-Omani Joint Committee held in Muscat in January 2022.

The two sides exchanged views on several international issues, particularly the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its repercussions on the region.

They exchanged visions regarding the upcoming summit between the Gulf states, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and the United States, to be held in Saudi Arabia.

They discussed the developments in Arab and regional issues, especially the Yemeni crisis.

They agreed on the importance of bolstering coordination between the two countries to support the unity and sovereignty of the Yemeni state and the safety of its national institutions, leading to a sustainable political settlement that ends the Yemeni people's suffering and meets their needs and aspirations.

They stressed that the security and stability of Yemen are of utmost importance to the safety of the Arab and the Red Sea regions.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.