Interview with Ambassador Ghonem about Sisi’s visit to Oman

CAIRO - 6 February 2018: “Egypt’s safety is an integral part of the whole Gulf’s security” was President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi’s main message during his remarkable three-day visit to Oman, according to Egypt’s Ambassador to Muscat, Mohamed Ghonem.

In an interview to Egypt Today, Ghonem affirmed that Sisi and Sultan Qaboos discussed several crucial issues affiliated to both countries interests. “This is the first official visit by an Egyptian high-level official to Muscat after the revolution of January 25. It reflects a clear message regarding the deep and strong relations between the two counties,” Ghonem said.



president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi with Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said al-Said at Muscat, February 4, 2018 - Press Photo


He affirmed that the coming period is going to witness a huge development between the two country’s economic cooperation. “Oman was one of the first countries that supported Egypt’s economy. They gave us about $500 million during Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC) back in April 2015,” Ghonem added.

Sisi and Qaboos talks addressed the implementation of real measures to ease the current obstacles which Omani investors face in Cairo. Both leaders agreed that Egypt is moving towards substantial economic reforms as a result of Sisi’s firm direction and new law regulations issued recently.

Sisi met with 40 Omani businessmen during his last day of the visit, Wednesday January 6. According to Ghonem, important companies of different fields asked to attend the meeting to know about investment opportunities in Egypt. The ambassador said that economic and investment agreements had been signed between Egypt and Oman.

Both countries are also planning to organize an economic conference for the Omani businessmen who are interested in investing in Egypt. According to Ghonem, between 59,000 and 60,000 Egyptians are working in Oman in different specializations.

“There is no doubt that Egypt is now extremely different than what it was before. We have infrastructure, development projects, national projects and the new administrative capital. All these ideas and projects will lead us to a strong and economically-independent state,” Ghonem affirmed.



Sisi’s visits Muscat for the first time since taking office in June 2014, upon an invitation from Sultan Qaboos. During a summit between Sisi and the Omani Sultan on Sunday, both leaders praised the two countries’ deep relations and history.

The Sultan also valued Egypt’s role in enhancing Gulf’s stability and security, confirming the long depth of Egyptian-Omani relations of cooperation and friendship, according to an official statement issued by presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady.

Sisi expressed Egypt’s appreciation for the Sultanate’s stances led by Sultan Qaboos, affirming that he is looking forward to enhance the bilateral relations as well.

Talks between the two leaders addressed economic cooperation and trade deals through a mutual committee, which will hold a meeting in Muscat soon. It also tackled the recent issues in the region, and Sultan Qaboos stated his vision on solving the Yemeni crisis in a way that can ease the suffering of Yemeni people. The two leaders also discussed other regional issues in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.

Upon his arrival at Muscat’s Al-Alam royal palace on Sunday, Sisi was warmly welcomed by Sultan Qaboos.



On arrival at Muscat’s Al-Alam royal palace, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi was warmly welcomed by the Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said al-Said.


The national television channel for the Sultanate of Oman, broadcasted the great official welcome ceremony of President Sisi that took place at Muscat International Airport at the beginning of his three-day visit to Oman.

The relations between Egypt and Oman have been stable for decades.


President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi during his visit to Oman on February 5, 2018- Press Photo


Omani and Gulf newspapers highlighted the visit, describing it as ‘historic’. State-owned Omani newspapers tackled the bilateral interests of both countries and the anticipated outcomes to follow this visit.

The hashtag of Oman greeting Egypt #عمان_ترحب_بمصر_الكنانه spread widely on social platforms in Oman, in accordance with the ‘historic visit’ of Egypt’s Sisi to Muscat. Omanis expressed their pleasure with the Egyptian president’s visit.

Kuwaiti newspapers on Monday highlighted the historic visit that President Sisi paid to Oman and important issues tackled by Egyptian and Omani leaders.

“Oman receives Sisi: Egypt is the Arab Nation’s Podium,” was the frontpage’s headline of Al-Nahar newspaper, which focused on the fruitful outcomes resulting from mutual cooperation between Cairo and Muscat.

Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef bin Owli stressed that the upcoming Arab summit due to be held in Saudi Arabia will strengthen the Arab solidarity, adding, “Egypt is the backbone of the Arab nation and the podium which embraces all Arabs.”

Al-Anbaa newspaper described Sisi’s trip to Oman as a ‘historic’ visit, in which Sisi and Qaboos discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation in several fields and exchange views over recent developments in the Arab region.