The Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir received here yesterday evening Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, in the presence of Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Dr. Essam bin Saad bin Said. During the meeting, they discussed a number of topics of common interest and reviewed bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries. The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt Ahmed Qattan, Undersecretary of State for Protocol Affairs Ambassador Azzam bin Abdulkarim Al-Qain, and Egyptian Ambassador to the Kingdom Nasser Hamdi. Al-Jubeir said in a press statement following the reception, '' This meeting comes within the framework of continuing consultation and coordination between the two countries and on the sidelines of Saudi-Egyptian Coordination Council to exchange viewpoints on many issues of concern to the two countries, especially the Palestinian issue and the importance of finding a solution to the conflict leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state with its capital, Holy Al-Quds, in addition to the situations in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya. The Minister of Foreign Affairs added, 'We discussed during the meeting bilateral issues between the two countries relating to coordination, consultation, investments and other topics, in addition to the latest developments pertaining to Iran's intervention in the affairs of the region and its negative actions being carried out by it'. Minister Al-Jubeir expressed his thanks to the Egyptian Foreign Minister for the visit, looking forward to further consultation. For his part, the Egyptian Foreign Minister said that this visit came as an opportunity to activate what was agreed upon during the second session within intensive, continuing and consultative framework between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries to be briefed on the latest developments at regional and international levels, particularly the wave of many challenges that we confront and we work together to fend off the dangers concerning our countries, the region and Arab security. Minister Shukri added, ''We see in this relationship as a strategic one of fraternity and common destiny and we are working to strengthen this relationship at political, economic, and cultural levels; and the works being carried out by the Coordinating Committee and its consequent results are the best evidence of the determination of the two countries to achieve this common interest''. Asked about the Egyptian position towards Iran after the announcement of the Kingdom of the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador and severing ties with Iran, the Egyptian Foreign Minister said, ''We made a decision to cut ties with Iran since 27 years because of the situation at that time, and see in this interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom as rejected and nor approved by any of the international laws and norms; and thus we find in the Kingdom's decision what meets its sovereignty and interests. We have stressed many times that we stand with the firm position that we are working with our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to be endorsed and confirmed in every occasion that the Kingdom's security is an integral part of Egypt's security and Egypt's security is an integral part of the security of the Kingdom''. In response to taking a collective decision by the Arab League towards the Iranian regime and its interventions in the region, the Egyptian Foreign Minister said yesterday we were informed of the request made by the Kingdom to hold the Ministerial Council of the Arab League, and Egypt was at the forefront of countries that supported this request and we will consult and coordinate with the Kingdom on the outputs of the meeting, which will be held at the earliest opportunity and there are arrangements to be held next Sunday. For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir said that there are arrangements for the meetings of Foreign Ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States and Arab Foreign Ministers, and moves at the United Nations; and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will exert all efforts to highlight Iran's negative role and breaches of international laws and norms. About the headquarters of the meeting, he said that the arrangements of the meeting are related to the Arab League, and we do not mind holding the meeting in any place in the Arab world.
