Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi vowed to “deepen” strategic partnership with India during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Meeting with EAM Jaishankar
The Egyptian Presidency released a statement saying El Sisi views strengthening ties with India as “an important pillar for maintaining security and stability in the Middle East.” He told Jaishankar that Cairo is keen on promoting “coordination and consultation” with New Delhi in the political, security, and economic fields.
Honoured to call on President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi @AlsisiOfficial of Egypt this morning.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 25, 2023
His visit adds a new vigour to our bilateral engagement and our time-tested friendship. pic.twitter.com/0bHrP1EmrQ
For his part, Jaishankar stressed that he would ensure relations between the two countries are “constructive and positive.” In this regard, the EAM vowed to strengthen cooperation at the economic and investment levels and bolster security and military ties.
Discussion with PM Modi
Additionally, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions between El Sisi and Indian PM Narendra Modi are underway. Modi tweeted that India has invited Egypt as a guest country during its G-20 presidency, showing the “special friendship” between New Delhi and Cairo.
“We have decided that under India-Egypt Strategic Partnership, we will develop a long-term framework for more comprehensive cooperation in political, security, economic and scientific fields,” Modi said. The Indian PM further noted that India and Egypt have decided to strengthen defence, intelligence, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Chief Guest for Republic Day
El Sisi, who is currently on his two-day visit to India, is also the chief guest for India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. His visit occurs as both countries mark 75 years since establishing official ties. Apart from his attendance, an Egyptian military contingent will march in India’s Republic Day parade.
El Sisi met with his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu and addressed officials at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. The Egyptian President also visited the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and laid a wreath. He said: “Egypt and India share joint bonds of civilization and history; they are also similar in their solid commitment to disseminating security, peace and stability.”