Saudi – Egypt relations “solid” – Saudi FM

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat – Egypt and Saudi Arabia yesterday stressed that the recent diplomatic spat between the two countries which saw a group of Egyptian protesters attack the Saudi embassy in Cairo, and Riyadh recall its ambassador from Egypt and close its embassy over security concerns, would not undermine the historic bonds between the two countries.  A high-level Egyptian delegation is currently visiting Saudi Arabia yesterday to stress the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Egyptian parliamentary delegation is headed by Egyptian Parliamentary Speaker Dr. Mohammed Al-Katatni and Egyptian Shura Council Speaker Ahmed Fahmy, amongst representatives of political and public bodies in Egypt, including representatives of the Al-Azhar University and the Coptic Church.

The Egyptian delegation met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal yesterday who welcomed the delegation to Saudi Arabia on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Saud al-Faisal said that this visit “clearly reflects the depth and strength of the ties between the two peoples and countries” adding “we, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consider the Egyptian people as brothers and friends, wishing them all the best at all times.  However we have never used this friendship as a cover to justify intervention in their affairs or to impose a trusteeship upon them [Egypt], we believe that friendship will not be true unless it is committed to mutual respect.”  The Saudi Foreign Minister stressed “we have every confidence that rational people from both sides are able to overcome trivial matters and realize the commonality between the two peoples.”

He added “we do not rule out that foreign elements not wanting what is best for us or Egypt…could be behind disturbing the historic, solid and growing relations between our two countries and peoples.”

For his part, Egyptian People’s Assembly Speaker Dr. Mohammed Al-Katatni also delivered a speech in which he commended the depth of relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, stressing that the ties that bind the two countries cannot be affected by a passing incident.  Dr. al-Katatni stressed that the Egyptian high-level delegation was visiting Saudi Arabia in order to express Egypt’s appreciation and respect of the Saudi government and people.  He also asserted that post-revolutionary Egypt wants to broaden the scope of its relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Ambassador to Egypt, Ahmed al-Qattan, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the question of re-opening Saudi Arabia’s embassy and consulates in Egypt would be decided by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, adding that there is optimism that this will go ahead and that he will return to Egypt.

As for who was responsible for this crisis, al-Qattan pointed the finger at the Egyptian media who had incited the “protesters” to target the Saudi embassy.  He also praised Riyadh’s decision to close this embassy and recall him from Egypt saying this was the safest course of action.

For his part, Egyptian delegation member Mohamed Sobhi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the delegation intends to issue an apology on behalf of the Egyptian people to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and request that he re-open Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Cairo.

Whilst head of the Egyptian Ghad El-Tharwa party, Dr. Ayman Nour, informed Asharq Al-Awsat that he supports the action that is being taken by the Egyptian delegation, adding that he hopes that the delegations meeting with the Saudi monarch will serve to strengthen Saudi – Egyptian ties.  He said that this delegation has ideas and visions regarding future Saudi – Egyptian ties which it will put forward to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz.

Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces [SCAF], which has been ruling the country since former President Hosni Mubarak stepped down in February last year following nationwide protests, said on Thursday that the Saudi envoy will be returning to Cairo.  This was corroborated by Reuters’ news agency which quoted a Saudi official on Friday as saying that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz had ordered the ambassador to return to Cairo.