Egypt's el-Sissi visits UAE in first official trip to the Gulf since toppling government
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The official news agency of the United Arab Emirates says Egypt's military chief, Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, is in the country attending the closing ceremony of joint military exercises.
It is el-Sissi's second official trip abroad since he ousted President Mohammed Morsi from power after massive protests last summer. El-Sissi, who is defense minister, visited Moscow last month.
The WAM news agency reported Tuesday that el-Sissi met Prince Mohamed bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the richest emirate in the UAE federation.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The UAE has supported Cairo's new leadership against Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood supporters, pledging at least $5 billion to support the transitional government.
This week the UAE joined Saudi Arabia and Egypt in labeling the Brotherhood a terrorist organization. The Brotherhood denies it practices violence.
El-Sissi is widely expected to declare his candidacy in the first presidential elections since Morsi's ouster, and if he runs, is expected to win.