The UAE and Egypt… A vision of anticipation and common ambition
Bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt are an example to be followed by bilateral relations between the brotherly Arab countries… These relations have witnessed great development over the course of five decades and a half, until they reached the level of strategic partnership between the two parties, in light of the deep-rooted historical ties linking the two countries at all levels, in addition to their common interests…
Bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt are a model for bilateral relations between the brotherly Arab countries. These relations have developed considerably over the past five decades and have reached the level of strategic partnership between the two parties, in light of the deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries at all levels, in addition to their mutual interests.
UAE-Egyptian relations are receiving great attention and patronage from the leaders of the two countries. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Zayed Al Nahyane, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Ssisi attach unparalleled importance to mutual bilateral relations and push them towards excellence and development. The two leaders are linked by fraternal relations and enjoy international political weight due to their role in the advancement of their countries, the preservation of their security, the maintenance of the region’s security and stability in the face of current challenges and the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Mutual visits
The volume of exchange visits between the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Zayed Al Nahyane, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi reached about 26 visits since 7 June 2014, until their meeting in the “July 3” base last July 3.
Foreign policy
On the foreign policy front, recent years have witnessed close coordination between the Emirati and Egyptian leaderships on pivotal issues, and a great convergence of views and political positions on regional issues, which were represented in the political settlement of these crises to preserve the capabilities of the peoples, safeguard the security of the Arab states, preserve the unity and integrity of the Arab territories, promote joint Arab action, and advance international efforts to reach political solutions to various regional crises, especially those linked to the fight against terrorism.
Military cooperation
Militarily, the naval, air and ground forces of both countries participated in a series of joint military exercises, the most notable of which was the joint military exercise “Zayed III” in May 2014 on the territory of the United Arab Emirates. UAE forces also participated in the joint exercise “Saif al-Arab” on 22 November 2014 at the “Mohammed Naguib” military base in Egypt. The UAE and Egyptian armed forces conducted the joint military training “Night Hawks” in November 2019, and on 25 July 2018, the joint naval training activities « Eagle Response 2018 » were launched and were preceded in April of the same year. joint Egyptian-American naval training activities « Khalifa 3 », and numerous other joint exercises and maneuvers between the two countries.
The two countries not only conducted direct training exercises, but also participated in joint exercises with major countries, including the United States of America, in “Eagle Salute Maneuvers”, “Operation Bright Star”, and then an Arab through “The Arab Shield” to learn about the latest systems and methods of fighting and maximizing the benefit. The exercises dealt with the bright star in the fight against terrorism, and training in all different threat scenarios under conventional and irregular warfare.
The joint military exercises reflected the desire of the two countries leadership to consolidate military cooperation and develop joint action between the Egyptian and UAE armed forces.
July 3 rule
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Zayed Al Nahyane, took part in the inauguration ceremony of all the new Egyptian military bases, including the July 3 naval base in the Mediterranean area of Jarbub, which is considered the latest Egyptian military base on the Mediterranean Sea and aims to secure Egypt in the strategic direction of the north and west, in addition to the Qader 2021 strategic maneuvers.
Following the inauguration, Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane tweeted: “I was happy to attend the opening of the “3 July” Egyptian Naval Base in the Jarjoub region, Egypt under the leadership of my brother Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, which is witnessing notable achievements in various vital sectors. I wish all success to the brotherly Egyptian people in their march towards building and development.”
“Mohammed Naguib”
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also participated in the opening of other Egyptian military bases, confirming the strength and strength of Egyptian-Emirati relations. In July 2017, the United Arab Emirates participated with a high-level delegation headed by Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane in the opening ceremony of the ”Mohammed Naguib” military base, which is the largest military base in Africa and the Middle East, in the city of El-Hammam in Marsa Matrouh governorate.
Bernice’s rule
In mid-January 2020, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Zayed Al Nahyane participated in the opening of the Bernice Military Base in the southern Red Sea governorate, which was dedicated to protecting and securing the southern Egyptian coasts. He also witnessed the activities of the maneuver “Qader 2020”.
“The Egyptian armed forces are not only a fortress for our sister Egypt, but a force for all the Arab world because Egypt’s power is a force for all Arabs, and Egypt, with its strong and advanced armed forces, represents an element of stability and peace in the region,” Abu Dhabi’s crown prince said during the opening ceremony.
Consistent visions
“Relations between the UAE and the Arab Republic of Egypt are fraternal and strategic, characterized by their depth and roots at the official and popular levels, in light of the consistent visions between their two leaderships, joint keenness to consult on issues, issues and challenges in the regional and international environments and belief in the unity of purpose and destiny,” Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane said. “Strengthening the Egyptian and Arab military capabilities contributes to protecting the development gains of the peoples of the region, provides a safe environment for economic and cultural development, and promotes security and peace not only at the regional level, but also at the global level in view of the great strategic importance of the Arab region and the Middle East for the security and interests of the world.”
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi’s participation in the inauguration of the latest and most important Egyptian military bases and military exercises reflected the UAE’s continued support for Egypt in its comprehensive development process, based on its belief in the importance of Egypt’s role in protecting the gains of the peoples of the region and maintaining its security and stability.
The fraternal bilateral relations between the UAE and Egypt are characterized by stability, development and steadfastness, and their continued cooperation to address threats to Arab national security, affirming that the strategic partnership between them is a credit to the Arab nation and a strong shield against challenges.
