King Salman visit to Egypt historic, futuristic

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THE Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz visits Egypt on Thursday. This visit is seen as historic not only because of the close ties between the two brotherly nations, or because it is the first by King Salman or because it will strengthen relations between two heavyweight Arab countries but because it comes at a time of exceptional circumstances when the Arab security is in danger in the midst of rising oppressive Iranian campaigns and terrorist attacks which have jeopardized the Arab nations.

This visit will tell the entire world that these two countries share the same vision, the same destiny in areas of education, industry, agriculture and investments including energy. Here we are not talking about mere protocols but the signing of 12 agreements in addition to military talks.

This visit comes in the face of vehement media campaigns generated by the Brotherhood media machinery supported by like-minded people in Cairo.

These campaigns, which were launched in the early days of the demise of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to mislead public opinion about the Saudi policy towards Egypt, emphasized on the non-existent tensions between Egypt and the GCC countries in general and between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in particular to sow seeds of dissent between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and President Abdulfattah el-Sisi.

Here, we are forced to tell the adventure seeking members of the Brotherhood movement and ‘others’ that they have painted a wrong image of Gulf-Egypt relations in their minds because the Egyptians and the Gulf Arabs do not look for temporary benefits.

They forget that ‘our’ brotherly relations are based on unified visions and common destiny. Any conflict between the Gulf nations and Egypt will mean the collapse of security in our respective countries.

Now these people may wonder why the GCC countries were very keen on the stability of this important Arab country and not allow the Brotherhood to hold the reins of power.

It was to prevent bloodshed, destruction and suffering in Egypt unlike some other countries of the region because the GCC countries are fully aware of the vital position of Egypt in the Arab fold.

Moreover, if the flames of the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ infernos had controlled the destiny of these countries, they would not escape the destiny of Iraq, Libya, Syria and maybe Somalia.

This does not mean the GCC countries are weak or unable to defend. To the contrary, they have managed, since the establishment of Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981, to surmount all crises in the region starting from the Iraq-Iran war and the terrorist activities of some groups affiliated to Iran.

Add to this the ‘war of tankers’ — the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and other misfortunes which GCC countries have contained and become much stronger.

Yet, the stability of Egypt is a must because it is our strategic depth which cannot be abandoned in the face of adventures, experiences or international plots which serve suspicious interests.

The GCC did not hesitate to support the popular revolution of June 30, 2013 because the Gulf Arabs did not want Egypt to fall in the claws of the monster of division which was planted in the midst of Cairo by the US administration.

During the one-year in office, the Brotherhood made known to us its goals and ambitions and we did not make a mistake by taking a step in right direction. We appreciate such hard times because they help us identify friends from enemies.

We emphasize that the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Cairo has many benefits most importantly it will help dispel lies promoted by the Iranian media and some Western newspapers which talk about the King’s ill health and his inability to run the affairs of his country.

The visit proves that the King is not only at the helm of affairs in the kingdom, but he is also drawing the regional policy and helping shape international affairs.

Decades ago the Kingdom stayed away from media wars and did not think it necessary to respond to lies. Therefore, it has won the praise for all stands it has taken — be it in politics, regional or international affairs.

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah – Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times

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