Egypt “fully understands” Bahrain's decision to boycott an upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit if the proceedings are attended by Qatar, a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry read on Tuesday.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said told state-owned news agency MENA that Egypt considers the move by Bahrain to be a “sovereign decision” taken in light of the negative effects Qatari policies have had on Bahrain in recent years.

"Egypt stresses its solidarity with Bahrain in all decisions undertaken to maintain its security and stability," Abu Zeid added.

On Monday, Bahraini foreign minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa said on his Twitter account that his country would not attend the upcoming GCC summit if Doha does not change its position, calling on the GCC to freeze Qatar’s membership.

In June, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic, transport and trade ties with Qatar, accusing it of financing and sponsoring terrorism. Doha denies the charges.

The Bahraini minister’s call for Qatar to be frozen from GCC membership is the first such demand from one of the boycotting countries.

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/280735.aspx