At a time when diplomatic strains can mar bonds between some countries, fifty years of relations between the UAE and Egypt only serve to show how deep and strong their brotherly ties are. The links are based on mutual respect and cooperation and are a stellar model for smooth and cordial Arab relations in the region.

This has been underscored by our leadership. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said that the UAE and Egypt will begin another 50 years of solid and deep-rooted relations and joint efforts, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt.

 “The UAE, today, is celebrating, in Egypt, the 50th anniversary of their close, deep-rooted and advanced relations, and we are at the start of another 50 years, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and President El-Sisi,” he said.

 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid made this statement coinciding with the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Emirati-Egyptian relations in Cairo, Egypt, and the start of another 50 years of cooperation under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and President El-Sisi.

Both the nations have a lot in common, including a forward-looking vision and the determination to continue the development process. They are two different entities but beating with ‘One Heart.’

The major celebrations in Cairo will be held over three days and will be graced by ministers and officials from the UAE and Egypt, and around 1,800 Emirati and Egyptian luminaries.

Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said, “The UAE-Egypt historical relations represent a distinguished model for the bilateral relations between Arab countries based on integration and common interests. These strong ties are not limited to the diplomatic and leadership level only, but also include the peoples of the two countries.”

The Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, laid the strong bonds of brotherhood and friendship with Egypt. Al Gergawi said that the economic cooperation is a main pillar of the solid relations between the two countries, where the UAE tops world countries, boasting the highest value of investments in Egypt. Al Gergawi affirmed that organising this event under the slogan of “Egypt and the UAE… One Heart” translates 5 decades of respect and cooperation between the two brotherly countries, reflecting the bonds of brotherhood and comprehensive partnership between them.

Dr. Hala H. Elsaid, Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Egypt, said that the event reflects the depth of relations between the two countries and the leadership’s keenness to deepen these strong and solid relations.

Elsaid added, “We count on the promising opportunities of cooperation between the two countries, to achieve a prosperous future for our people and build a great model of brotherly relations between Arab countries.”

The UAE is Egypt’s second-largest trading partner at the Arab level, while Egypt is the fifth-largest Arab trading partner of the UAE in intra-non-oil trade and holds 7 per cent of its total non-oil trade with Arab countries.

The UAE is the largest Arab investor in Egypt and the third globally, with a cumulative investment balance of more than $28 billion (Dhs102 billion), with more than 1,300 Emirati companies operating in various fields and projects in Egypt.

It is just not in the economic field where ties are so good. Even in the cultural domain, the achievements are remarkable. The UAE is also keen to support culture and arts in various countries of the world, especially Egypt, where the UAE supported the Library of Alexandria by providing $21 million. Also, Emirati-Egyptian relations witnessed the signing of 18 cultural agreements between Emirati institutions and the Alexandria Library in Egypt.