Relations between the UAE and Egypt are excellent and deep-rooted, thanks to the strong foundation laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said.
President el-Sisi, who made the remarks during an interview with the Abu Dhabi TV Channel yesterday, added that President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brothers followed Sheikh Zayed's path and ensured that relations between the UAE and Egypt must always remain special.
"Our relations with Egypt are strong and balanced since it was founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Egyptian people can talk about these relations better than any official, especially when it comes to talking about Sheikh Zayed and his sons," he said.
President el-Sisi further said during a meeting with the Emirati investors that they were eager to set up projects in Egypt.
He went on to say the UAE support had given Egypt a great boost in addressing the economic difficulties and cited some of the projects including construction of 25 what storage silos and of 50,000 housing units. He also referred to the project to train and qualify 100,000 Egyptian youth.
He pointed out that young people aged between 18-40 years make up 30 percent of Egypt's population and such projects would serve in harnessing the enormous energy of youth who are keen to work and start families.
President el-Sisi said Egypt was pinning hope on the upcoming Egypt economic development conference to promote the opportunities available in Egypt and its position at the cross-road between Africa, Europe and the Gulf.
He also said the investment law, which is currently underway, would help remove all obstacles and minimise red tape for the investors.
President el-Sisi indicated that Egypt had already started to make use of future energy, saying the country enjoys vast solar and wind energy resources which can contribute in meeting the rising power generation demand of 15,000-20,000 megawatts.
He urged Emirati investors to benefit from the ideal investment climate in Egypt.
On the identical views shared by the two countries regarding counter-terrorism, President el-Sisi said the UAE had early realised the need to combat the terrorism phenomenon.
"We share the same point that terrorism is a threat to the nations, to the reputation of the tolerant Islam and to all people." He emphasised the need to confront terrorism in all Arab countries and said all Arab countries need to cooperate to address the challenges and to eliminate the risks.
He said Egypt's stability was essential for the stability and security of the whole region.
President el-Sisi praised His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and said that he wasn't fortunate to meet the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan "but I can see him in President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and their brothers." Asked to say a message to the Egyptian people, President el-Sisi said: "Your concern is mine. I know you are great people who helped change the history of the region and of the world and I pray to Allah the Almighty to help me be up to your expectations and to work towards the development of our country." He concluded by expressing confidence that the UAE leadership and people are capable of maintaining their country's stability and protecting their achievements.
Source: WAM