On the sidelines of the 2024 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held an important bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry. This meeting comes at a critical juncture, as tensions escalate in the Middle East, underscoring the importance of coordination between Riyadh and Cairo, given their pivotal roles in regional security and stability.
Background of the meeting and the importance of the Davos Forum
The World Economic Forum in Davos is a prominent international platform that brings together world leaders, decision-makers, and experts to discuss major global challenges, from the economy and climate to geopolitical crises. In this context, sideline meetings provide an opportunity for intensive diplomacy and coordination of positions. The Saudi-Egyptian meeting reflects the utilization of this platform to affirm a shared vision on pressing issues, foremost among them the war in the Gaza Strip and its humanitarian and security repercussions.
Saudi-Egyptian relations: a strategic partnership
The relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt is based on solid historical foundations and a deep strategic partnership. Both countries have long played pivotal roles in leading joint Arab action and addressing the challenges facing the Arab world. This ongoing coordination at the highest levels underscores the depth of this relationship and their shared understanding that the region's security and stability depend significantly on the convergence of their visions and the unification of their diplomatic efforts.
Key issues on the negotiating table
The talks between the two ministers focused on the latest developments in the region , with the Palestinian issue being the most prominent topic. The two sides discussed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensuring the sufficient and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Strip's residents. Both sides also emphasized their firm rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians and stressed the importance of creating a genuine political horizon leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace.
In addition to the Palestinian issue, the meeting addressed the escalating tensions in the Red Sea region and the importance of ensuring freedom of international navigation, as well as reviewing the situations in Sudan, Yemen and Syria, and emphasizing the importance of supporting political solutions that preserve the unity of these countries and the integrity of their territories.
Expected impact of the meeting
This Saudi-Egyptian coordination sends a clear message to the international community about a unified Arab stance earnestly seeking de-escalation and peace. This meeting is expected to bolster diplomatic pressure on key international players to push for a ceasefire in Gaza, and will also strengthen joint Arab efforts to formulate a vision for the region's future based on stability, development, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
