Saudi to stand side by side with Egypt in efforts for democracy

Saudi Arabia and the UAE paid tribute to Egypt’s efforts to tackle challenges to its security and for ensuring the rule of law.

During Egypt’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN in Geneva today, Saudi Arabia – one of the largest funders of Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi’s government – claimed it would stand side by side with Egypt in its efforts for democracy while stepping up efforts to combat terrorism and corruption.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and Vietnam commended Egypt’s efforts to improve the country’s human rights record.

However, the US recognised that there are mass human rights abuses in Egypt today and violations of freedom of expression, and requested investigations into the excessive use of force by security forces.

Other nations that have referred to Egypt’s human rights violations include Sweden, Spain, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Iceland, Algeria and Tunisia.