Egypt, UAE reject regional interference in Arab countries’ affairs

CAIRO - Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Emirati Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash rejected Thursday regional interference in Arab countries' affairs, in reference to Turkey’s intervention in Libya and Syria.

During the meeting which was held in Cairo, the two ministers discussed strategic bilateral ties and regional issues including the situation in Libya and Syria, according a statement issued by Egypt's foreign ministry.

The ministers stressed their “rejection of all forms of regional intervention in the Arab countries' affairs,” as well as the importance of “not allowing these interventions to affect the security and stability of the region,” the statement said.

Shoukry expressed Egypt's "steadfast stance on supporting the security and stability of Arab Gulf states as an integral part of the Egyptian and Arab national security."

Ankara sent its forces and Syrian mercenaries to the North African country to help the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli led by Fayez al-Sarraj in its fight against the eastern-based rival government headed by military commander Khalifa Haftar.

Libya has been torn between rival administrations and a myriad of militias since the NATO-backed overthrow and killing of dictator Moamer Gathafi in 2011.

Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Jordan have bolstered Haftar, while Turkey backs the GNA.

The meeting between the two Arab ministers came one day after Arab foreign ministers discussed several issues, including regional interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries, the latest developments in Syria, Libya and Yemen and the Ethiopian Renaissance dam.

Arab FMs issued a resolution condemning Turkey’s interference in domestic affairs of Arab countries, urging Ankara to pull out its troops from Arab lands.

They condemned Turkey’s military intervention in Libya and sending of “foreign terrorists” to the war-torn North African country.

The ministers also condemned Turkey’s aggression on Syria as a blatant violation of UN charter and UN resolution 2254. They rejected Turkish troops’ incursion into Iraqi territories in their fight against Kurdish fighters.

Gargash said that the MENA region was facing increasing challenges, including regional interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries which have created new crises that have accelerated the pace of extremism and terrorism.

''This environment has created a fertile breeding ground for terrorist and extremist groups and their supporters to undermine security and stability in the region,'' Gargash told the ministerial meeting.

He called for a clear plan that does not marginalise Arabs in resolving their own issues, respects difference, and builds consensus around common matters to amplify Arab voices.