Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday 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.
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"I was honored to meet the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Shawky Ibrahim Allam. We had rich discussions on the relations between India and Egypt, especially the cultural and people-to-people ties," Modi tweeted.
Last month, PM Modi was conferred with 'Companion of the Order of Logohu', the highest civilian award by Papua New Guinea during his visit to the Pacific island nation for "championing the cause of unity of Pacific Iskan countries and spearheading the cause of Global South."