Omani Foreign Minister Yousuf Bin Alawi wasn’t exaggerating when he referred to Egypt as “the pillar of the Arab nation, and … the platform that brings the Arab nation together”. Since the evolution of the Arab nation state, Egypt has held a special place in the region. For generations, it has been its cultural capital. Its uniqueness, and centrality, in the Arab family of nations has never been disputed. A stable and strong Egypt is the bedrock of broader Arab stability and strength.
After the disruption and instability wrought by events associated with the so-called Arab Spring, Egypt found its bearings under the leadership of President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi.
The instability that plagued the country reduced significantly and Egypt saw steady improvement in the economic situation. Importantly, the Egyptian armed forces have shown that they are up to the challenge posed by the extremist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula.
At a time when some Arab republics are experiencing unprecedented upheaval, Al Sissi’s government must be credited with bringing a level of stability to the largest Arab republic. As Al Sissi stands for re-election next month, this fact must be kept in mind. An unstable Egypt is in nobody’s interest — except of those who harbour ill-will for the Arab region.
During their meeting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, expressed their pride in the deep bonds between the UAE and Egypt, as well as the close cooperation that serves the interests of the people of both nations. They also discussed means to combat extremism, violence and terrorism, and drying up their sources of funding.
Under Al Sissi, Egypt’s relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in particular, have reached new heights. Underlying these close ties are the common values and shared understanding of the dangers this region faces, and identifying where the threat comes from. The UAE-Egypt relationship is also based on a remarkable consensus on regional and international issues.
The Gulf region is the most stable and well-administered corner of the Arab world. And the fact that its ties with the most populous country in the Arab world has continued to strengthen is good news for all Arabs.
