ABU DHABI — Arab Gulf states have rallied behind Egypt in its efforts to maintain its security and sovereignty.

In a speech on Saturday at an airbase near the Libyan border, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that Cairo had the right to defend itself after receiving "direct threats" from "terrorist militias and mercenaries" supported by foreign countries – an apparent reference to some armed groups loyal to the Government of National Accord and supported by Turkey.

The main aims of any intervention would include protecting Egypt's 1,200-km western border, helping achieve a ceasefire and restoring stability and peace in Libya, El-Sisi said.

The show of solidarity from allied countries was praised by the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Anwar Gargash.

"The great Arab support in Abdul Fattah El-Sisi speech about Libya is a clear indication that the Arab World refuses the subjugation of its sovereignty and borders by the regional countries," Dr. Gargash tweeted.

"The current Arab World's weakness is serious but the principled positions calling for balanced relations, stability and sovereignty will remain firm."

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said it stood in solidarity with Egypt "in all measures taken to safeguard its security against alarming developments taking place in the brotherly state of Libya".

The ministry praised recent efforts by El-Sisi to jump-start political talks with a proposed roadmap referred to as the Cairo Declaration. While the US, Russia and the UAE welcomed the plan, Turkey and the GNA dismissed the proposal.

The UAE reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Libya where fighting has escalated between the GNA in Tripoli and the Libyan National Army supported by the rival House of Representatives in the country's east.

"[The UAE] commended the determination of Cairo to spare the blood of the Libyan people and pave the way to initiate a comprehensive political process under the auspices of the United Nations according to the Berlin Conference on Libya and in implementation of the Cairo Declaration, which calls for the disbandment of militias and relinquishment of their weapons, in addition to putting an end to foreign interference and stopping foreign support for extremist forces in Libya," the ministry added.

The UN led attempts to build political dialogue at meetings in Berlin in recent months that include a military committee from both sides working towards a framework to then allow the start of serious political talks.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said the safety and security of Egypt was vital to the safety and security of the Kingdom.

"The Kingdom's government affirms that the security of the Arab Republic of Egypt is an integral part of the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the entire Arab nation, and the Kingdom stands with Egypt in its right to defend its borders and people from extremist tendencies and terrorist militias and their supporters in the region," it said.

Bahrain commended El-Sisi's speech, expressing its support for "the president's affirmation of Egypt's determination to protect and secure its western borders with their strategic depth from the threats of the terrorist militia and mercenaries, to restore security and stability in Libya as an integral part of Egypt's security and stability and Arab national security, and to stop the bloodshed of the Libyan people".

It added that Bahrain stood ready to help and support Cairo in all measures to preserve stability in Libya. — Agencies