Egypt’s Sisi, Tunisia’s Saied discuss bilateral ties, regional issues

CAIRO – 19 May 2023: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with his Tunisian counterpart Kais Saied, on the sidelines of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, on Friday.

President El-Sisi expressed appreciation for the close and historic relations that bind the two countries at the official and popular levels, wishing Tunisia all success under the leadership of President Saied during this important juncture in the history of the Tunisian people, said Spokesman for the Presidency Ahmed Fahmy in a statement.

The President said Egypt looked forward to developing relations between the two countries to a sustainable framework of economic integration and strategic cooperation and Egypt supports all ongoing efforts to pursue Tunisia's development and reform, Fahmy added.

Tunisia's President confirmed the deep ties between the two countries and his country's keenness to improve cooperation with Egypt in all areas, as a cornerstone for maintaining regional security and stability and restoring balance to the region, the spokesperson said.

This is in light of Egypt's pivotal importance regionally and internationally. He added that his country looked forward to benefiting from the Egyptian experience in implementing developmental projects and its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, he continued.

The two presidents exchanged views on a number of regional issues of mutual interest, particularly the situation in Sudan and Libya.

The two presidents agreed to intensify coordination and consultation in this regard to advance efforts to resolve existing crises and restore security and stability for Arab peoples.

Also, on the sidelines of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, on Friday, President Sisi met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

“El-Sisi valued the special characteristics of relations between Egypt and Lebanon, at both the official and popular levels,” said Fahmy in a statement.

The President Sisi expressed sincere wishes of success for the Government of Lebanon in conducting its work during this critical period so as to fulfil the aspirations of the Lebanese people, help surmount the crises facing Lebanon, and undertake the necessary reforms to overcome the current delicate phase, Fahmy added.

President El-Sisi stressed the importance of upholding the ultimate interest of the Lebanese people.

For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister valued the fraternal relations between the two countries, expressing Lebanon’s appreciation for Egypt as a cornerstone for supporting and maintaining stability in Lebanon and the entire Arab region Fahmy continued.

Mikati commended the Egyptian experience that enhances the priorities of developmental success and is a model to be emulated for the countries of the region.

“The meeting addressed ways to strengthen the existing frameworks of bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, and views were exchanged with regard to a number of Arab issues,” Fahmy said.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on Thursday, arrived to Saudi Arabia to participate in the 32nd session of the Arab League in Jeddah.

His speech that will be delivered at the Jeddah-held Arab League Summit on Friday deals with Arab unity and the crisis in Sudan.

“President El-Sisi’s participation at the Arab Summit comes as part of Egypt’s constant keenness to strengthen and develop relations with Arab States. This keenness is also part of Egypt’s role in strengthening efforts to advance the mechanisms of joint action and unity, for the benefit of all Arab peoples,” said Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy in a statement on Thursday.

“The Jeddah Summit aims to promote consultation and coordination among the Arab States on efforts to preserve the security and stability of the region and to promote Arab interests, particularly in light of the successive changes and escalating crises at the international and regional levels,” he added.

The Arab League Summit will be attended by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad after more than a decade of the suspension of the Syrian membership at the league. Also, Ukrainian President Zelensky will attend the summit, Reuters reported on Thursday.