President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo today as part of a working visit focused on strengthening Egypt-Saudi Arabia relations and discussing major regional and international developments.
The visit included a closed bilateral meeting between President El-Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by expanded talks attended by delegations from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. President El-Sisi also hosted a lunch banquet in honor of the Saudi Crown Prince and his accompanying delegation.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia Discuss Bilateral Cooperation
During the talks, the two leaders reviewed ways to further strengthen relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia across a range of sectors.
President El-Sisi welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Egypt and highlighted the longstanding ties between Cairo and Riyadh. The meeting also addressed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation and coordination in areas of mutual interest.
The visit comes as Egypt and Saudi Arabia continue to maintain close political and economic relations, alongside regular coordination on regional issues.
Regional Security and Red Sea Navigation on the Agenda
Regional security was a major focus of the discussions.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of protecting the freedom and security of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea, strategic routes that play an important role in international trade.
President El-Sisi also expressed Egypt’s support for measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its security and stability, while discussions addressed efforts to reach a comprehensive and sustainable political solution to the crisis in Yemen.
Gaza and the Palestinian Issue Discussed
The two leaders also discussed developments surrounding the Palestinian issue.
According to the Egyptian Presidency, Egypt and Saudi Arabia reiterated their support for a just and comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy. The talks also addressed humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the need for sufficient humanitarian aid to enter the territory.
The meeting reflected continued coordination between Cairo and Riyadh on several of the region’s most pressing political and security issues.
Mohammed bin Salman’s Working Visit to Cairo
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Cairo forms part of ongoing efforts by Egypt and Saudi Arabia to deepen their bilateral relationship while coordinating their positions on regional and international developments.
President El-Sisi later saw off the Saudi Crown Prince at Cairo International Airport at the conclusion of the working visit. The Egyptian Presidency said the visit was held within the framework of strengthening the close ties between the two countries and maintaining consultation on issues of mutual interest.
