Shafiq: I was welcomed well in Cairo upon arriving at Cairo International Airport.

:: Former Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq, a potential candidate for the upcoming Egyptian presidency elections, has denounced claims suggesting he was abducted by local authorities upon his return to Cairo.

In a phone interview with private Egyptian channel Dream, Shafiq said that he was “welcomed well in Cairo upon arriving at Cairo International Airport” on Sunday evening.

The former PM also said that he was staying at a hotel east of Cairo since his house has been closed for nearly five and half years.

Speaking on the upcoming presidential elections, Shafiq said that he made his decision to run for presidency during his stay in the UAE. However, after arriving in Egypt he decided to understand the people’s needs after which he would make a decision.

Meanwhile, Shafiq said his relationship with UAE officials is “very good” and that his family continues to reside in Abu Dhabi.