Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Afeefi Abdulwahab has thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his continuous support to his country and its people.
“King Abdullah’s telephone contact with Gen. Abdul Fattah El-Sisi soon after he took over power in Cairo in the interest of the nation reflects the strong relations between the two countries,” he said in a press statement on Saturday.
Speaking about King Abdullah’s support for the Egyptian government, Abdulwahab said: “The Saudi king’s statement on Friday reverberated what his father King Abdul Aziz said several years ago: A powerful Egypt would empower the whole Arab world.”
The ambassador said: “There is nothing strange in King Abdullah’s firm stance toward Egypt and its people as it reflects the strong relations between the two countries.”
Meanwhile, a cross-section of Egyptian expatriates and Saudi nationals strongly backed the statement issued by King Abdullah on the current events in Egypt. They said that the statement reflects the concerns of King Abdullah and his keen desire to restore peace, security and stability in Egypt and the need to unify the rank and file of the Arab nations on the question of Egypt.
“Saudi Arabia has had special relations with Egypt and hence the Kingdom is more concerned about the events in Egypt,” said Samer Al-Hamdan of King Saud University (KSU), while commenting on the statement of the king and the need to support Egypt during this crisis. Al-Hamdan said that Riyadh and Cairo enjoy “strategic partnership” in all spheres.
He emphasized that “the security of the Gulf is an honest reflection on the strength of relations between the two countries.” The escalating violence in Egypt will not serve any purpose, he added.
Highlighting the economic consequences of the crisis, Hassan Al-Sanoussi, a businessman said: “The uprising in Egypt will further impoverish the Egyptian people, while it will also affect the economic relations of Egypt with Arab countries especially Saudi Arabia.” He was alluding to around $27 billion in Saudi investments in Egypt.
He called on the people of Egypt irrespective of their political affiliations to “come to their senses,” restore peace and move forward to create an attractive environment for coexistence, brotherhood, business and investments in Egypt. “I strongly support King Abdullah’s timely call for peace and security in Egypt,” said Al-Sanoussi, adding that the Saudi leadership and people always care for Egypt.
Ahmed Al-Soufi of the Yemeni People’s Congress said King Abdullah’s statement drew the road map for the rescue of Egypt from its present political turmoil.
“King Abdullah’s statement was the strongest in terms of international reactions. He is well-known for his stances, which aim to protect the Arab and Islamic Ummah’s interests from saboteurs,” he said.
Hashim Abdu Hashim, a senior Saudi journalist, urged Egyptians to get inspired by the king’s statement and work together for their country’s security and stability without becoming tools in the hands of their enemies.
Turki Al-Sudairy, chairman of Saudi Journalists Association, commended King Abdullah’s courageous stances at times of major crises and events in the Gulf and Arab regions. “King Abdullah will not express any opinion for his personal or political gains. His statement was aimed at protecting the greater interests of Egyptians and Arabs,” Al-Sudairy said.
He believed that the opinions expressed by European and US officials on the issue were aimed at expanding division in Egypt in their bid to create another Iraq.
Economist Ahmed Al-Hamdan also praised the king’s statement, saying it shows the Kingdom’s strong support for reinforcing Egypt’s security and stability. “Saudi Arabia and Egypt represent the pillars of Arab world.”
Al-Hamdan urged Saudi businessmen not to withdraw their investments from Egypt because of the ongoing violence in the country. “We have to be patient and stand by the Egyptians in this difficult phase,” he added.
A number of Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia also praised the king for his timely support. Emad Al-Nuhas said he was “very happy” to read the king’s statement. “Saudi Arabia is a big Arab country that plays a leading role at times of crises to steer the region to greater security and stability,” Al-Nuhas said.
Ayman Shaaban, who has been living in the Kingdom for 20 years, commended King Abdullah’s concern for Egypt’s security and stability. “It also shows support for the will of Egyptian people who ousted former President Muhammad Mursi through their June 30 revolution,” he added.