DUBAI // The Egyptian prime minister on Thursday singled out the UAE as the strongest supporter of his country.
Following the Government Summit, where Ibrahim Mahlab gave the closing speech on Wednesday, he told a group of media that UAE investments in Egypt were a success, with more on its way.
When it came to differences with Qatar, he said Egypt was ready to commit to a new relationship, but has not seen any progression since the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia made overtures to the two nations.
“There was a request from King Abdullah to reconcile; Egypt accepted after a few hours,” he said. “We thought there would be other steps, but none was taken. The stand is not understandable.”
He said that on the whole, Gulf relations were of a family nature, unshakeable by rumours.
“Our relationship is very strong,” he said. “One principle, our dreams are one, security is one, strategies are one.”
He noted that the country was expecting a big turnout in Sharm Al Sheikh next month from the Gulf for the Egypt Economic Development Conference. The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, has already confirmed his attendance.
Mr Mahlab played down the presence of ISIL terrorists in Egypt, and said the country enjoyed stability and that the army was strong and in full control of its borders.
“There is complete control of Sinai [by the army],” he said.
He said Egypt and its economy were now on the right track after two revolutions and would not go astray. He noted that the country had to fight terrorism that masked itself in religion but had only succeeded in tainting the image of Islam.
When asked about the return of the Muslim Brotherhood to government, he said it was free to go back to politics, but asked, “Who destroyed their nation”?
He said the brotherhood left the government and “killed their brothers and sold their conscience”.
“They must first re-evaluate themselves.”
Mr Mahlab dismissed talk of Ahmed Ezz, a former member of Hosni Mubarak’s dissolved ruling party, returning to power, noting that Egypt would not “go backwards”.
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Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
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