The Arab scene continues to affirm, with its successive setbacks which reflect its quintessential nature, that the problems of the Arab world are deeply rooted and become more and more complex and difficult over time.
This is evident in the way crises/alliances are handled, whether within the Arab region or at regional and international levels. Arab relations with another or other neighboring countries have, since the middle of the 20th century, passed through several phases, with several factors playing an important role – whether it be the formation or the disintegration of alliances or among themselves or even with the great powers of the time.
Nevertheless, there were several inspiring episodes, courageous and positive positions were taken. They inspire optimism about what is to come despite all the tragedy and frustration. Perhaps the years 1973, 1990 and others saw the formation for the first time in the history of Arab solidarity of remarkable alliances between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Any serious discussion about an Arab bloc truly capable of dealing with today’s challenges simply comes down to securing the Arab circle. So, it is correct to say, as some have asserted, that compromising the security of Egypt or Saudi Arabia compromises Arab national security. “Egypt and Saudi Arabia are the backbone of an Arab regional system in crisis that only a strategic alliance between the two countries can resolve.”
This can be achieved once they shape their “bilateral relationship according to national security requirements and needs”. It is no secret that Riyadh and Cairo reaching an agreement is tantamount to forming an Arab alliance. The constant visits between the leaders of the two countries have exposed those who tried to undermine it.
Saudi-Egyptian rapprochement means, in my view, reorganizing regional priorities and confronting projects of regional influence. Thus, traditional and ancient Arab alliances are no longer tenable, especially with the rise of Iran and Turkey. Indeed, the situation is deteriorating at all levels. The Saudi-Egyptian alliance has become a prerequisite for safeguarding Arab national security. This alliance is a necessary condition for confronting the Iranian, Ottoman/Turkish and American-Israeli axes, as well as for creating a balance of power in the region.
It has become clear that we lack an effective Arab policy that can fill the void that has become necessary, even though we recognize that this Arab policy is not shaped as we would like it to be. This is a crucial aspect of the crisis, and once we start to develop and implement a solid Arab policy, it means the solution stage has begun.
The agreement between Riyadh and Cairo comes at the right time, and it amounts to the development of an Arab alliance that can compete with any other in a new political environment.
President Sisi’s visit to Riyadh was made to enhance the exchange of “viewpoints on issues and matters of interest to both countries at the regional and international levels”, as evidenced by their claims that they are working on coordinating their positions in a way that serves their interests and enhances security and stability in the region and in the world.
They also stressed the importance of joint Arab action and the importance of the role of the Arab League in developing and strengthening mechanisms for joint Arab action and the resolution of crises in the region in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the principles of international law. Perhaps central to their position is continued support for peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to achieve a comprehensive and final settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the two-state solution, the relevant resolutions of the UN and the Arab Peace Initiative. in a way that guarantees the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This curbs conspiracies by opportunists who seek to exploit circumstances or situations and invent lies to unjustly attack and insult Saudi Arabia. It is therefore not surprising that they stressed the importance of concerted international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
Riyadh and Cairo affirmed “the indivisibility of Arab security and the importance of joint Arab action and full Arab solidarity to preserve Arab national security through the capabilities and capacities of its countries, which are sufficient to enable them to assume this responsibility which is incumbent on all Arab countries”. countries.”
They also stressed their “rejection of any attempt by regional parties to interfere in the internal affairs of Arab countries or to threaten their stability and undermine the interests of their people – whether through incitement of ethnic and sectarian tensions , terrorism and terrorist groups or expansionist perceptions”. which do not respect the sovereignty of States and the principles of respect and good neighbourliness”.
And they agreed to “continue to fight terrorist organizations in the region in all their forms”…and commended “the level of cooperation and security coordination between the two countries and their intentions to strengthen this coordination to strengthen security and stability in both countries”. brother countries.
Both sides focused on the threats posed by Iran’s hostile behavior towards countries in the region and the dangers that the regime possessing weapons of mass destruction would pose to the region and the world, stressing that any international agreement to this regard must include the countries of the region.
They expressed their “rejection of the terrorist militias which continue to threaten maritime navigation”, stressing that “the military capabilities of these militias cannot be overlooked. They pose a direct threat to the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and countries in the region. This powerful message was clear and precise, leaving our Arab world reassured because an Arab alliance defends it and Cairo and Riyadh support this alliance.
Our dear Egypt, as usual, reiterated its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, its support for all the measures that the Kingdom has taken to protect its national security and its rejection of any attack against Saudi territory, stressing that the security of the Kingdom and the Arab Gulf region is an integral part of Egyptian national security.
Riyadh and Cairo are laying the groundwork for a reformulation of priorities in a way that preserves Arab national security and combats terrorism. Their agreement on a range of objectives and the types of threats facing them means the emergence of an Arab front capable of facing the risks and meeting the challenges. This reinforces efforts to develop a framework joint Arab action system and supports it for the benefit of its people.
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