President Sheikh Mohamed and Egypt’s El Sisi welcome proposed Gaza ceasefire


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President Sheikh Mohamed and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday welcomed the proposed ceasefire between Hamas and Israel during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi.

The two leaders underlined the importance of ensuring sufficient humanitarian aid reaches Gaza and reaffirmed the need for a two-state solution as a path to lasting peace.

An Israeli official told The National that the country’s security cabinet will meet on Friday to vote on the 42-day ceasefire and hostage deal, which is due to begin on Sunday. If the security cabinet approves the plan, it will pass to the full Israeli cabinet.

Sheikh Mohamed praised Egypt’s efforts in supporting the Palestinian people and its pivotal role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

During the talks, Sheikh Mohamed and Mr El Sisi also set out their support for Joseph Aoun, who has been elected President of Lebanon. The leaders expressed hope that Mr Aoun's victory would restore stability to the country.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr El Sisi also reaffirmed their commitment to Syria’s unity, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity after the downfall of former president Bashar Al Assad's regime last month.

The leaders also discussed ways to bolster ties between their nations, with a focus on enhancing co-operation across various sectors, including development, the economy and investment.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, received Entissar Amer El Sisi, Egypt's first lady, on Thursday as she accompanied her husband on his visit to the UAE.

The meeting addressed areas of co-operation between institutions concerned with women, children and family affairs in their countries. Sheikha Fatima is Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

Sheikh Mohamed earlier received Mr El Sisi in Abu Dhabi. Mr El Sisi arrived at the Presidential Airport in the capital and was met by an Emirati delegation that included Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President, and Dr Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.

Mr El Sisi received a guard of honour featuring the UAE Armed Forces as he walked through the airport with Sheikh Mohamed.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr El Sisi meet regularly for talks to strengthen the long-standing ties between their countries. In October, Sheikh Mohamed travelled to Egypt on a working visit, during which he met Mr El Sisi.

Mr El Sisi emphasised the significance of the trip in helping to bolster the deep-rooted relations between the nations and open new areas of collaboration. The leaders later attended a ceremony for graduates of Egypt’s military academy and colleges.

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Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

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Favourite book: Science and geology

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Saturday, February 19: 10am Oman v Canada, Nepal v Philippines; 2pm UAE v Germany, Ireland v Bahrain 

Monday, February 21: 10am Ireland v Germany, UAE v Bahrain; 2pm Nepal v Canada, Oman v Philippines 

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Age: 25

Town: Al Diqdaqah – Ras Al Khaimah

Education: Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering

Favourite colour: White

Favourite place in the UAE: Downtown Dubai

Favourite book: A Life in Administration by Ghazi Al Gosaibi.

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