Egypt & Saudi Arabia Sign Agreements to Boost Investment and Regional Cooperation"

On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo for an official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The meeting, which comes amidst ongoing regional and international challenges, emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation across key sectors, particularly in economics, energy, and security.

During their talks, President El-Sisi highlighted the importance of the close and enduring relationship between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, especially given the current threats facing the region. He stressed the need for continued coordination to maintain stability in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to further enhancing ties with Egypt, pointing to the historic bonds between the two countries and the need to expand collaboration for mutual benefit.

The discussions placed a strong emphasis on boosting economic cooperation, with both leaders focusing on expanding investment and trade. They agreed to strengthen partnerships in sectors such as energy, transportation, and tourism. The Crown Prince underscored the potential for increased Saudi investments in Egypt, given the nation’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and extensive free trade agreements. Both sides expressed their desire to build an integrated economic partnership that would drive growth across the region.

The leaders also turned their attention to the escalating tensions in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation. Both President El-Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for an immediate ceasefire and long-term solutions to the crises in these regions. They reiterated their support for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The leaders warned that undermining the Palestinian cause would only fuel ongoing conflicts and make peace more elusive.

In addition to the situations in Gaza and Lebanon, the two leaders discussed the wider regional challenges in Sudan, Libya, and Syria, as well as security in the Red Sea. They agreed that maintaining stability in these areas is critical and stressed the importance of regional cooperation to address ongoing security threats, including conflicts and the activities of armed groups.

At the close of their meeting, President El-Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman oversaw the signing of several key agreements aimed at institutionalizing the Egypt-Saudi partnership. Notably, they established the Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council, which will be co-chaired by the two leaders, to oversee joint initiatives in economic and strategic matters. Additionally, they signed an agreement to promote and protect mutual investments, signaling a deeper commitment to long-term economic collaboration.