Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz ordered the reopening of the Saudi mission in Egypt yesterday after it was closed last week following a diplomatic row between the two countries. Riyadh had recalled its ambassador from Cairo and shut down its diplomatic mission in the country citing security concerns after Egyptian protesters attacked the Saudi embassy in Cairo. King Abdullah affirmed Saudi – Egyptian ties after meeting with a high-level Egyptian diplomatic delegation in Riyadh.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a high level Egyptian delegation led by the Speakers of the two chambers of the Egyptian parliament, in addition to prominent political leaders and representatives of various segments of Egyptian society, at his palace in Riyadh on Friday.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques addressed the audience, pointing to the shared history between the two countries which is based on the unity of religion and mutual support to guarantee the prevalence of right, adding that this relationship cannot easily be spoiled or destroyed.

The Saudi monarch said that this relationship is based on mutual respect, not rivalry, adding that Egypt, and all its sorrows, wishes and aspirations is in the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and vice versa.

He also stressed that Riyadh’s decision to recall its ambassador and close the embassy was “made to protect its employees against any unacceptable consequences.”

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz welcomed the Egyptian delegation to Saudi Arabia, saying that it “reflects the noble ethics stemming from our Islamic creed”. He asserted that the recent deterioration in ties was “painful to every honest Saudi and Egyptian citizen” adding “we will not allow this passing crisis to be prolonged, and I am hopeful that the Egyptian and Saudi media will take a noble stance and say what is good or keep silent.”

The Egyptian delegation was headed by parliamentary speaker Mohamed al-Katatni, head of the consultative council Ahmed Fahmy, and also included Muslim and Christian religious figures, as well as other political leaders.

Speaking following their return to Cairo, al-Katatni and Fahmy stressed that the Egyptian parliamentary delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was successful, adding that this demonstrates that the relationship between Riyadh and Cairo is well-established and will not be adversely affected by any passing event.