Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman, received at Muscat, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who started his first state visit to Oman on Sunday.
In a rare public appearance, Sultan Qaboos greeted his guest at Muscat Gate when his motorcade arrived from the airport. The Sultan accompanied Sisi in a procession surrounded by cavalry to the gate of the al-Alam Palace.
Sisi's visit to Oman comes as part of a Gulf tour that also includes United Arab of Emirates (UAE) and will last for three days.
The Omani Sultan held talks with the Egyptian president, in which they reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields that serve both countries' common interests, according to the Oman News Agency (ONA).
Upon their arrival, Sisi and his accompanying delegation were received at the Royal Airport by Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, and Ambassador of Egypt and members of the Egyptian Embassy in Muscat.
A statement issued by the Royal Court said that the visit of the Egyptian president is an extension of the established relations between the Sultanate and Egypt, and reflects the keenness of both leaderships to support common interests in various fields.
Egyptian television said on its website that Sisi discussed recent Arab, regional and international developments.
Oman's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said that Oman views Egypt as the supporter of the Arab nation, and it is currently the platform that brings together the Arab nation.
Speaking to Oman News Agency, the minister stated that this is the President's first visit to Oman, describing it as a happy occasion during which he will exchange views with Sultan Qaboos, and means to enhance cooperation between the Sultanate and Egypt in all fields.
He pointed out that the Sultanate and Egypt are in constant coordination on recent developments, adding that a new platform is being discussed to deal with the remnants of the problems in the region.
The Minister indicated that the future of Arab solidarity is based on new principles that deal with different global paths.
On his agenda, Sisi will hold a session with businessmen in the Sultanate to enhance economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Trade between the Sultanate of Oman and Egypt reached $300 million last year.
Cairo seeks to boost its economic cooperation with Oman and attract more investments as Oman's investments in Egypt amount to $77 million.
