Egyptians praised President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday where he held talks with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Observers hailed the outcomes of their talks that underlined the importance of bolstering joint investments and coordination over several regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza.
Sisi underscored Cairo’s support of Saudi initiatives aimed at resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the latest of which were the outcomes of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution that was held in New York in July. The meeting was co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris.
Egyptian Presidency Spokesman Mohamed al-Shennawy said the visit is part of the “solid historic relations that bind Cairo and Riyadh.” The two sides constantly coordinate and hold consultations over regional and international issues of common interest.
The inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council was also held on Thursday.
Saudi and Egyptian officials agreed to launch more partnerships in industrial integration, renewable energy and other fields.
On social media, users lauded Sisi’s visit to the Kingdom with a related hashtag trending on X.
Users on the platform said Saudi Arabia and Egypt have long enjoyed ties of fraternity and they will continue.
They welcomed Sisi’s visit, saying it demonstrates the integration between Cairo and Riyadh.
Political Science Professor at the University of Cairo Hassan Salama said the visit underscores the strength of Egyptian-Saudi relations and the extent of coordination between them.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he noted the significant timing of the visit.
Cairo earlier this week proposed a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza that would pave the way for a permanent solution to the crisis there. Hamas agreed to the proposal.
Former Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs at Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gamal al-Bayoumi said Saudi Arabia is the Arab world’s largest investor in Egypt.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sisi’s visit stressed the importance of expanding economic ties with the Kingdom.
Moreover, regional developments demand constant coordination and consultations between Cairo and Riyadh, he remarked.
