PM Modi & Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi hold bilateral talks in Cairo

Cairo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for bilateral talks in Cairo. The two leaders discussed ways to further deepen the partnership between the two countries, including in trade and investment, defence and security, renewable energy, cultural and people to people ties. They reviewed the full range of India-Egypt relations and agreed to further augment economic and cultural linkages.

President Sisi also conferred Prime Minister with 'Order of the Nile' which is Egypt's highest state honor. In a tweet, Mr. Modi said that he accepts the 'Order of the Nile’ with great humility. He thanked the Government and people of Egypt for this honour. He added that it indicates the warmth and affection they have towards India and the people of the nation. 

This is the 13th such highest state honour that various countries across the world have conferred upon Mr. Modi. Prime Minister thanked his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly for accompanying him to the Pyramids. They had a rich discussion on the cultural histories of both nations and how to deepen these linkages in the times to come.

Briefing media in Cairo, Foreign Secretary



Vinay Mohan Kwatra said the two leaders signed an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership". Three MoUs in the fields of Agriculture, Archeology and Antiquities and Competition Law were also signed. The Foreign Secretary said Prime Minister also extended an invitation to President Sisi for the upcoming G20 Summit to be held in September in Delhi.

Earlier, Prime Minister visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery and paid homage to over four thousand 300 valiant Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Egypt and Aden during the First World War. He also visited Al-Hakim Mosque where he was received by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, 

Dr. Mostafa Waziri. Prime Minister also met the leaders of Bohra community, who are actively involved in the upkeep of this Fatimid era Shi’a Mosque and highlighted the strong people to people ties between India and Egypt. In a tweet, Mr. Modi said the mosque is a profound testament to Egypt's rich heritage and culture.

Mr. Modi has emplaned for Delhi after successfully concluding his two-nation tour of US and Egypt.