Qatar’s crown prince said Sunday that Egypt is one of the most important countries in the region, and that its renaissance is a positive development for Arab and Islamic nations.

At a meeting of Arab intellectuals and journalists in Doha on Sunday, Crown Prince Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani said his country does not interfere in Egypt’s internal affairs, and that Qatar would cooperate with any government Egyptians choose.

He also said Qatar is willing to help the Egyptian people by investing in projects determined by their government.

Thani denied rumors that Qatar has supported certain political factions in Egypt, and that his state planned to purchase control of the Suez Canal.

“I did not know it was for sale,” he joked.

He also denied that Qatar was supporting revolutions around the Arab world. “We stand by the will of the people,” he said.

Thani explained that problems plagued the former Hosni Mubarak regime even before the 25 January revolution, citing the former president’s handling of the Palestinian issue.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm