Egypt committed to stability in Yemen: Minister

Ahram Online , Thursday 18 Jun 2015

Egyptian foreign minister says stability in war-torn Yemen is crucial for Egypt, stresses Cairo and Riyadh share common vision on military intervention

Sameh Shoukry
Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry attends the foreign ministers of the Arab League meeting ahead of the Arab Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh March 26, 2015 (Photo: Reuters)

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri has reiterated Egypt’s support for achieving stability in crisis-torn Yemen.

"Security in the Gulf is an integral part of Egypt's security," Shoukri told Al-Ahram daily.

The minister said Egypt and Saudi Arabia share a "common vision" and "identical stances" on the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is pounding Shia rebels

The coalition, which includes Egypt, began launching airstrikes against Houthis rebels on 26 March in a bid to check their advance in the Arab world's poorest country. More than 2,600 have been killed, half of them civilians, and hundreds of thousands displaced in the turmoil, according to the UN.

Shoukri said Cairo is closely working with Riyadh to provide humanitarian aid to Yeminis and protect Egyptians residing in Saudi regions bordering Yemen.

He added that Egypt continues working together with its Arab allies to bring into effect a military force aimed at combating jihadists, including the Islamic State group.

"We are working with our [Arab] brothers to bring this idea into force," he said.

He added that the move, which Egypt staunchly advocated, reflects efforts to reinforce Arab solidarity and dialogue.

Arab League military chiefs decided in March to set up a region-wide force, with members given four months to agree on its composition and mode of intervention.

 

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