PM Modi, Egypt Prez El-Sisi Sign Deal To Elevate Bilateral Relationship To 'Strategic Partnership'

PM Narendra Modi discussed ways to deepen partnership with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in different areas including trade & investment, defence & security, renewable energy among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held bilateral talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during his maiden State visit to the middle-east nation. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, the two discussed ways to further deepen the partnership between the two countries, including in trade & investment, defence & security, renewable energy, cultural and people-to-people ties. 

Mentioning that the meet between the two leaders was productive, Bagchi said that three MoUs were also signed in the fields of Agriculture, Archaeology & Antiquities and Competition Law. He said that an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" was also signed by the leaders during the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conferred Egypt's highest state honour, 'Order of the Nile' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Cairo on his maiden visit. The development comes after the leaders of the two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding with each other. Modi's meeting with Egyptian President came after his visit to Al-Hakim mosque and Heliopolis War Memorial. At the prominent Cairo mosque, he spent half-an-hour and paid tribute to Indian soldiers martyred during the World War I at the Heliopolis War Memorial. 

The award is granted to heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents. "It also may be given to Egyptians and foreigners who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services. Those who receive it shall be saluted upon their death," states the official website. 

"The Order of the Nile is a pure gold collar consisting of three square gold unites on which there are Pharaonic symbols. The first unit resembles the idea of protecting the state against the evils, the second one resembles prosperity and happiness brought by the Nile and the third one refers to wealth and endurance." 

The PM also met with the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, and interact with Egyptian thought leaders. He also interacted with the Indian community.