Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Friday Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, who arrived at Sharm el Sheikh Airport to attend the 26th session of the Arab Summit to be held on March 28 and 29.
Sisi welcomed the king, who praised Egypt's leading role at the regional and international levels, according to presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef.
The monarch said Egypt had grouped countries of the world in its Economic Development Conference (EEDC), adding that it now unites Arabs during a critical phase witnessed by the region.
The two sides also discussed the latest developments regarding "Operation Decisive Storm" meant to restore stability and security to Yemen.
Sisi praised progress achieved in the military operation, adding that Arabs could not stand still while the Houthis were attempting to control Aden after Sanaa.
For his part, the king said that the military operation restored hope to the Arab nations that Arab armies could defend Arab security.
The Egyptian president said that conditions in the Arab region made it necessary to form a unified Arab force, whose main task should be defending the interests of Arab nations in line with the charters of the Arab League (AL) and the United Nations (UN).
Arab strength can only be achieved through their unity, Sisi reiterated, noting that it is important to counter attempts to cause division among the Arab peoples.