Source: Carnegie Endowment
Author(s): Mohamed El-Shewy
Original Link: http://carnegieendowment.org/sada/61661
Egyptian–Saudi relations are witnessing an apparent renewal. Seemingly unshakeable in the immediate aftermath of the military-backed removal of Mohamed Morsi in 2013, ties between the two countries have been notably tense since the beginning of 2015. But grudging necessity, not trust or shared policies, is likely the driver of the renewed ties.
On July 30, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Mohammed Bin Salman announced the signing of the “Cairo Declaration,” which aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in light of regional developments. Among other points, the declaration commits to developing military cooperation and establishing a joint Arab military force, which Egypt had previously proposed at an Arab League summit in March. In a follow-up speech, Sisi emphasized the importance of the Egyptian–Saudi relationship, stating that the two countries were the “wings of Arab national security.” The declaration and speech signaled the two countries’ renewed confidence in their relationship…
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