The Arab world needs to come together under Saudi-Egyptian leadership to push back against the ambitions of regional rivals Iran and Turkey, a U.A.E. minister has said.
The U.A.E. call for unity under the flag of the Arab world’s most powerful nations comes at a time of intensified rivalry for regional hegemony between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as played out in a series of proxy conflicts across the Middle East. Turkey’s warming ties with Iran and support for Qatar in its dispute with a Saudi-led group of Arab states have been another point of contention.
Gargash’s comments follow a state visit to Sudan by Erdogan, where the countries agreed they’ll jointly build a port on the Red Sea to service civilian and military ships, and that Sudan’s Suakin Island will be opened to Turkish investment, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency.
Turkey hears what UAE has been saying but remembering the statement reflects Saudi Arabia positions. Turkey and Saudi Arabia have long history. As long as Iran is primary treat to Saudi Arabia, Riyad will seek a way to decrease the tension to acceptable level.
