Egypt is committed to defend the security and stability of the Gulf, said President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. 

Egypt stands by its brothers in Bahrain and the Gulf in face of any regional or foreign threats, Sisi said on Tuesday talks at Ittihadiya Palace with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. 

Both leaders held talks followed by an expanded meeting grouping delegations from both countries, said Ambassador Alaa Yousef, spokesman for the presidency.

The talks tackled means of enhancing bilateral ties at all levels, along with reviewing a raft of regional and international issues of mutual concern, Yousef said.

President Sisi praised bilateral ties with Bahrain, thanking Bahraini king for stances taken by the Gulf countries in support of Egypt and its people.

The Egyptians will not forget King Hamad's visit to Egypt following June 30 revolution, Sisi said.

Egypt is looking forward to enhancing cooperation with Bahrain in all fields to serve the best interests of the Egyptian and Bahraini peoples, Sisi said.

For his part, King Hamad praised Egypt's distinguished position in the region, thanking Cairo for supporting Bahrain in various issues.

Bahrain is keen on enhancing bilateral ties with Egypt in all fields, King Hamad said.

He stressed the importance of unifying Arab ranks to confront all challenges facing the Arab region.

Bahrain supports Egypt's initiative to form Arab joint force to ward off various threats to ensure the stability and security of Arab countries, he stressed. 

Following the talks, Sisi decorated King Hamad with the Collar of the Nile.

They also witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries.

Source: MENA