UAE backing for Egypt's coup leads to talks on military ties

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UAE backing for Egypt's coup leads to talks on military ties

ABU DHABI — Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have been exploring the prospect of expanding military cooperation.

Officials said an Egyptian military delegation held talks in Abu Dhabi to plan joint exercises and training. They said the talks were led by the chiefs of staff of both Arab countries.

"They discussed cooperation between the two countries, especially with regard to military affairs and defense," the official UAE news agency Wam said on Feb. 9.

Later, Egyptian Chief of Staff Sidqi Subhi said the two sides discussed ways to increase coordination and exchanges. Subhi cited Abu Dhabi's support for the military coup against Egypt's first Islamist president in July 2013.

"The UAE was one of the first Arab and foreign countries that announced to the world its strong support for Egypt under these difficult circumstances," Subhi said.

Officials said Cairo has sought aid from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance Egypt's defense industry. They said this marked the second meeting between Subhi and his UAE counterpart in as many months.

In January, UAE Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi led a delegation to Cairo. Since the 2013 coup, Abu Dhabi has relayed some $3 billion to Egypt.