ABU DHABI, Jan 16 (MENA) - President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed welcomed President Abdel Fattah El Sisi Thursday at Abu Dhabi International Airport and after the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held a meeting to discuss relations between the two sisterly countries and ways to strengthen them in a manner that serves the interests of both nations and the aspirations of their peoples, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment fields.

According to Presidency Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy, the meeting also addressed regional developments and ways to restore security and stability in the region. The two sides welcomed the announcement of an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners and detainees, reaffirming their commitment to implementing it in a way that ends the Palestinian bloodshed and protects Palestinian lives.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed praised Egypt’s tireless efforts over the past year to protect the people of Gaza and its role in mediating the agreement. The two presidents emphasized the need to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid without obstacles to the people of Gaza to save them from the humanitarian crisis they are enduring, stressing the importance of reviving efforts to implement the two-state solution, as it is the only path that guarantees sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting also addressed the situation in Lebanon, where both sides welcomed the election of President Joseph Aoun, hoping that this would contribute to restoring stability in the Arab country. They emphasized the need to maintain the ceasefire in Lebanon to protect its people and fulfill their aspirations.

The two leaders discussed as well the situation in Syria, reiterating their commitment to Syria's unity, stability, and territorial integrity. They stressed the importance of initiating an inclusive political process that involves people from all walks of life in Syria and is led by Syrians themselves.

The spokesman said that the meeting also covered ways to restore stability in Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia. The two presidents emphasized the importance of protecting the security and sovereignty of these brotherly countries in a way that achieves the interests and aspirations of their peoples toward stability and prosperity.
(MENA)
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