CAIRO: Egypt and Saudi Arabia pledged on Thursday to boost military, economic, and social ties and pursue their common interests.
The commitment came during a visit to Egypt by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense.
During the visit, the two countries signed the Cairo Declaration.
A statement released after a meeting between President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and the deputy crown prince said the two leaders focused on creating a joint Arab military force.
They pledged to enhance cooperation and investments in the energy and transport sectors.
“The two sides stressed the need to exert all efforts to boost security and stability in the region, and to work together to protect Arab national security,” El-Sisi’s office said after the signing ceremony.
The deputy crown prince also attended a military parade along with President El-Sisi.
The two allies, who are partners in the Kingdom-led coalition striking Houthi terrorists in Yemen, are the “wings of Arab security,” President El-Sisi told graduates of the military academy. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.
The meeting also focused on regional issues and the latest developments.
The two sides stressed their keenness to exert all efforts to promote security and stability in the region and work together to protect Arab national security.
They pledged to thwart any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of Arab countries.
The deputy crown prince, who attended the graduation ceremony of military colleges and institutes at Egyptian Military Academy, thanked the Egyptian president for the warm reception and hospitality.
The Cairo Declaration will strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia, under the visionary leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and Egypt.
El-Sisi conveyed his greetings to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif.