Bahrain, Egypt confirmed their support for Palestine-Israel initiatives

Egypt’s foreign minister Sameh Shoukry and his Bahraini counterpart, Abdul-Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, agreed on the need to coordinate efforts on the next ministerial meeting of the Arab League to preserve the interests of both countries and back joint Arab work.

Egyptian and Bahraini foreign ministers met in Cairo on Saturday and said their countries appreciate the initiatives that target achieving comprehensive and fair peace for the Palestinian cause, a joint statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry read.

The next Arab League foreign ministers meeting, to be chaired by Palestine, is scheduled for 9 September, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

Assistant to the Arab League secretary-general Hossam Zaki earlier said the meeting’s agenda includes political, security, social, health and administrative topics of concern to joint Arab work, including the Palestinian cause, in light of the latest updates.

This comes a month after the United Arab Emirates and Israel had signed a peace deal according to which Israel will suspend its plans to annex parts of the West Bank. The agreement was widely hailed, but it was denounced by Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas.

During their meeting, Shoukry and Al-Zayani said a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be based on the two-state solution and the rules of international law and resolutions.

Shoukry and Al-Zayani agreed on supporting a political solution that preserves the sovereignty and unity of Libya and meets the aspirations of the Libyan people to achieve security and stability, combat terrorism and halt foreign intervention, the statement added.

They also voiced support to current initiatives in Libya seeking de-escalation, including the step taken by warring parties in Libya to effect a ceasefire, resume oil production, form a new presidential council, and ensure the fair distribution of the country’s wealth.

The step was announced in August by the head of the presidential council and leader of the Government of National Accord Fayez Al-Sarraj together with the Libyan parliament backed by Libyan tribes and the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar. The announcement took place amid legal Egyptian steps to send troops to neighbouring Libya to face any probable security threat to the western border, which Egypt shares with Libya.

Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s support of Bahrain and other Gulf states in the face of challenges that may threaten their security and stability.

The foreign ministers highlighted the need to intensify joint work to foster stability of the two countries, voicing solidarity against foreign interventions that seek to undermine regional security.

On bilateral ties, the two ministers urged further steps to enhance economic and commercial relations, given the vast opportunities each can offer.

Shoukry also lauded the excellent care Bahrain has provided for the Egyptian community in Bahrain, particularly amid the coronavirus crisis.

Al-Zayani was appointed minister of foreign affairs in January. During his first visit to Egypt as foreign minister in March, he met Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to deliver a message from the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Issa, El-Sisi’s office said.

The message expressed the strong ties between Egypt and Bahrain, the presidency said.

King Hamad also said he appreciates the major strategic role Egypt plays in protecting Arab national security and defending Arab causes, according to the statement.

Bahrain is one of the Arab countries backing Egypt’s right to defend its national security in neighbouring Libya.

Arab Observer