'Egypt will not hesitate to defend Gulf states'

Cairo - He added that the Egyptian army is for all Arabs and that Egypt is able to repel any aggression or direct threat against any of the Arab countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Wednesday underscored that the security and stability of Kuwait and other Gulf countries is "inseparable" of the Egyptian national security.
"Egypt will not hesitate in defending sisterly Gulf countries in case of facing a direct threat," he said in an interview with a Kuwaiti Press delegation carried by Kuna.
He added that the Egyptian army is for all Arabs and that Egypt is able to repel any aggression or direct threat against any of the Arab countries.
President El Sisi emphasised that Egypt does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and respect peoples' will. He said history shows how Egypt acted swiftly when any sisterly country faced a direct threat.
He reiterated the strength and depth of ties linking Egypt and Kuwait at both official and people-to-people levels and stressed that the Egyptian people greatly appreciate Kuwaiti leaders and people.
The Egyptian president also congratulated Kuwaiti people on their country's national celebrations, scheduled for February 25 and 26, and the 55th anniversary of the Independence Day, the 25th anniversary of Liberation Day, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah's, ascension to power. On this occasion, President El Sisi wished the Amir and Kuwait more progress, welfare and stability.
On Libya, he said that Egypt has refrained from interfering in its internal affairs. The only exception was the Egyptian response to the Libyan-based terrorist groups' slaughtering of 21 Egyptian citizens.
He pointed out that Egypt is taking all necessary measures to overcome the rapid changes and growing challenges in the region despite tough economic conditions.
President El Sisi described the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 as the "first and most serious blow" to the Arab unity. Arab people are now paying dearly the price of such act, he said.
He underlined the need to provide all required help to crisis-ridden Arab countries to help them restore security, stability and retain their national institution to continue their active roles as members of the "Arab family".
El Sisi asserted that the strength of Arab countries stems from their unity.

• MENA