This would contribute to protecting Arab national security and enhancing Arab capabilities, the two leaders agreed as they met in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Saturday, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s keenness to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation with Bahrain in various fields and intensifying joint coordination with regard to the developments facing the Middle East region.

They also agreed on working to enhance joint Arab efforts in the face of the regional and international challenges.

King Hamad hailed Egypt’s pivotal role in the region as a pillar of security and stability.

The Bahraini king hailed the historic and brotherly relations binding Egypt and Bahrain, saying that his current visit to Egypt continues the distinguished relations between the governments and peoples of the two countries.

The king hailed the significant and qualitative progress witnessed by the Egyptian-Bahraini relations in the political, economic, developmental and other fields, highlighting the joint keenness to advance these relations.

The meeting discussed Egyptian-Bahraini cooperation especially in the fields of economy and investments, the presidential spokesman said.

El-Sisi and King Hamad also discussed a number of regional and international issues, the spokesman said, noting that the discussions between the two leaders have seen a mutual understanding on ways of dealing with these issues.

GCC+3 Summit

The two leaders welcomed the upcoming summit hosted by Saudi Arabia among leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council plus Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United States, known as GCC+3.

The summit, scheduled for 16 July in the Saudi city of Jeddah, is expected to tackle regional issues of concern and mechanisms of enhancing joint work to achieve stability in the region.

Issues expected to be raised during the summit include enhancing regional economic and security cooperation, deterring Iranian threats in the region, promoting human rights, discussing global energy and ensuring food security.

President Joe Biden, who will be in the Middle East from 13 to 16 July, will attend the summit and meet with regional counterparts “to advance US security, economic, and diplomatic interests,” according to the White House.