Saudi Arabia voices support to Egypt’s right to secure its western borders

CAIRO – 21 June 2020: Saudi Arabia on Saturday affirmed its support to Egypt in “its right to defend its borders and people against acts of extremism and terrorist militias and their supporters” in Libya.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday checked on the forces in Egypt’s Western Military Zone and said that the Air Force, the Special Forces, and the Border Guards have been securing 1,200 kilometers of borders with Libya for seven years, and accomplishing missions that have not been disclosed. Sisi urged them to "be ready to accomplish any mission whether here within our borders or - if needed – beyond our borders."

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said Egypt’s security is an “integral part of the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab nation as a whole.” It affirmed its support to Sisi’s Saturday remarks on the right to secure the western borders against terrorism.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia calls on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and respond to the calls and the initiative of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi ro reach a comprehensive solution that ensures the safety and security of the Libyan lands, restores institutions, eliminate terrorism and extremist militias and put an end to illegitimate foreign intervention that fuels terrorism in the region,” the statement added.

UAE’s Foreign Ministry has also voiced support to Egypt’s stance on Libya and hailed Egypt’s efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement in Libya, including the Cairo initiative, which the ministry described as “consistent with all relevant international resolutions”.