Sheikh Zayed backed Egypt throughout history: Shokry

CAIRO - 26 November 2018: The high status of Sheikh Zayed stems from his faith in pan-Arabism and commitment to the strategic relationship between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to the extent of urging his children and people to always maintain alliance with Egypt, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry said.

The minister delivered a speech in the Sheikh Zayed Centenary Celebration held on Monday by Al Ahram Regional Institute For Journalism and the Emirati embassy. Shokry praised the United Arab Emirates for its achievements on the regional and international scales.

The minister displayed the key points in history where Sheikh Zayed backed Egypt since the Tripartite Aggression in 1956 through the Six Day War defeat in 1967 until Egypt achieved victory in 1973. Prior to October 6 War, United Arab Emirates led a campaign to cut oil supplies to the United States of America and other countries backing Israel.

Post-war, Sheikh Zayed contributed to the reconstruction and development of the country. Shokry affirmed that Egypt and the United Arab Emirates still work closely to achieve prosperity for their peoples and preserve the region’s stability against terrorism.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 while Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was ruling Dubai since 1958. In 1971, both princes founded the United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Zayed was the president till his death in 2004, and Sheikh Rashid was the vice-president until he died in 1990. In 1979, Sheikh Rashid also became the prime minister of the country. Sheikh Zayed was born in May, 1918.