Arab countries participate in Operation Decisive Storm FM

The participation of several Arab countries in the "Operation Decisive Storm" against the Houthis in Yemen gave this campaign an international legitimacy, affirmed Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
The operation came upon a request from Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, he told Sudan's Al Sahafa Newspaper in an interview published Wednesday.
Egypt does not take any decision individually, he said, adding that the decision to take part in the operation came after the approval of the state bodies and in coordination with Saudi Arabia.
He, meanwhile, said that ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia are strategic.
Shoukry also said that Egypt is keen on promoting ties with Sudan in the various spheres.
He also pointed out to the major challenges which are besetting the region and the continent.
It is important to contain the situation in South Sudan, within the African framework and without any foreign interference, he said.
Talking about the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Shoukry said that Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia signed the Document of the Declaration of Principles on the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, adding that there is an understanding about preserving the rights of Egypt and Sudan of water resources along with preserving the right of Ethiopia to develop its resources without affecting Egypt and Sudan.
He also voiced hope that the agreement will be a step to build more confidence and promote cooperation between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.
Egypt did not cause any US sanctions on Sudan, Shoukry said, adding that Egypt's role was positive in supporting the US-Sudan rapprochement.
Egypt works with the US side to find a solution through dialogue in order to benefit Sudan of its international ties, he said.
Shoukry urged the media outlets in Egypt and Sudan not to focus on decisive issues.
Concerning the economic cooperation, Shoukry said that Egypt will carry out investments in Sudan, especially after allocating vast areas for investment.
There are still a number of important legal procedures that will be discussed during the higher joint committee which is chaired by the two countries' leaders, he added.
He also underlined the importance of removing administrative obstacles between the two sides.
Egypt is following up the political developments in Sudan, without any meddling, he said, adding that if there is a desire for cooperation this should be initiated from the Sudanese government.
He also said that Egypt's permanent delegation to the UN stood much with Sudan in all international forums and defended it a lot.