Sisi's trip to New Delhi comes at critical time: Presidential spokesperson

CAIRO – 25 January 2023: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's current trip to the Indian capital of New Delhi comes at a critical time, Presidential spokesperson Bassam Rady said on Wednesday.

During a phone interview with Sada El Balad TV channel, Rady highlighted the convergent and well-balanced political positions adopted by both countries at the international level.

The president is visiting India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate as the chief guest in the celebrations of India's Republic Day on 26 January.

During the president's extensive talks with the Indian premier, a part of which took place behind closed doors, Modi said India has some investments in new promising industries, topped by new and renewable energy and green hydrogen projects in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), Rady said.

The talks also covered military, security, economic and ICT cooperation, the spokesman pointed out, noting that some memorandums of understanding (MoUs) had also been exchanged to promote joint cooperation.

Rady described Sisi's visit as fruitful. He revealed that direct flights between Egypt and India will be resumed soon, which would help increase tourist traffic and exchange visits between the friendly nations.

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi held talks Wednesday at New Delhi's Hyderabad House with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed interest in making room for Indian firms to take part in the implementation of Egypt's mega projects and in increasing trade exchange between the two countries.

On his side, President Sisi welcomed expanding cooperation with India, particularly in the sectors of defense, trade, tourism, culture, pharmaceuticals, and ICT.

The two chiefs of state also conferred over regional and international affairs of mutual concern, whereas the Indian prime minister lauded the positive role played by Egypt in the realm of political settlements to existing regional crises. That is in addition to its efforts in combating terrorism and extremism, as well as propagating the values of tolerance, freedom of choice, and acceptance of the Other.

After the meeting, the two heads of state attended the signing of MoUs pertaining to information technology, cybersecurity, youth, sports, broadcast, and culture.