Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Egyptian President discuss challenges facing Arab region

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi spoke on Wednesday.

The pair discussed by phone different ways to strengthen the relationship between the UAE and Egypt, and increase co-operation across a variety of fields.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr El Sisi also reviewed the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest.

They exchanged views on the current developments, challenges and crises witnessed by the Arab region.

The two said they were keen to continue their consultations and co-ordination "to enhance the fraternal ties and achieve security, stability, peace and development for the region and its peoples", the state news agency Wam reported.

The bonds of friendship between Egypt and the UAE predate the Emirates' Federation.

Founding Father Sheikh Zayed met then Egyptian president Anwar Sadat in Cairo in 1970, and again in 1971.

He strongly supported Egypt in the 1967 war with Israel and again in 1973, when Sheikh Zayed called Sadat to advise that all of the UAE’s resources were at his disposal.

In 1976, Sadat flew to Abu Dhabi seeking financial aid.

The UAE also helped to broker an end to Egypt’s isolation in parts of the Arab world after negotiations with Israel that would lead to the 1979 Camp David accords.

Formal support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development began in 1974.

It noted in its most recent report that Egypt received Dh4 billion ($1.09bn) in loans and grants from the fund, or managed on behalf of the UAE government, for 20 projects with an emphasis on agriculture.

Almost 40 years later, relations between the UAE and Egypt have continued to strengthen under Mr El Sisi.

Both countries share concern and action over key issues in the region, including the diplomatic isolation of Qatar over its support for terrorism, the threat from extremist groups such as ISIS and Iran’s interference.

The pair last met in person in January, when Sheikh Mohamed visited Egypt to attend the opening of a military base.