MBS visit to Egypt is ‘immense responsibility’: Saudi media

CAIRO – 6 March 2018: Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman’s (MBS) visit to Egypt topped the front pages of Saudi newspapers on Monday, expressing the kingdom’s hopes that the historic visit would boost Egyptian-Saudi ties for the interests of the Arab region.

Riyadh newspaper described bin Salman’s visit to Cairo as an “immense responsibility” for a new, better Arab future. “MBS’ visit to Cairo comes within the framework of the Arab consensus,” the newspaper read.


Al-Riyadh newspaper Page no (7) on March 5, 2018- screenshot

“The historical relationship between Cairo and Riyadh affects the Arab world’s reality entirely,” the newspaper stressed, adding, “Egypt and Saudi Arabia are cornerstones of the Arab national security, which has been threatened by continuous Iranian influences.”

The Riyadh-based newspaper further noted that initiating bilateral Arab ties relies on boosting the bonds between Cairo and Riyadh. The newspaper added that the timing of MBS’ visit to Egypt is perfect in light of the challenges in the Middle East.


Al-Riyadh newspaper Page no (4) on March 5, 2018- screenshot



Riyadh newspaper on March 5, 2018- screenshot


In addition, the newspaper highlighted the Arab League’s upcoming summit scheduled to take place in Riyadh by late March. “Arab leaders are expected to discuss major Arab issues amid recent developments in the region,” it read.

Okaz newspaper reaffirmed the importance of Egyptian-Saudi ties, describing it as the decision-maker in favor of the interests of the kingdom, Arab states and the Islamic world. “King Salman bin Abdelaziz has received the Kuwaiti emir’s envoy, who conveyed a significant message from the Kuwaiti emir to King Salman about the regional and bilateral relations,” the paper read.

“Bin Salman’s visit to Egypt and his meeting with Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi would open a new deep and renewable relationship page between the two countries,” Okaz stressed. “This historic visit will set a new level of partnership at the security and economic levels.”

On Sunday, bin Salman arrived in Cairo in his first official trip since his appointment as Crown Prince to the Saudi Kingdom in June 21, 2017, succeeding Prince Muhammad bin Nayef.

Two days before MBS arrived in Cairo, the Egyptian presidency issued a statement on Friday welcoming the visit and describing bin Salman as a “dear guest in his second home, Egypt, for three days.”


Al-Madina newspaper's Front Page on March 5, 2018- screenshot


Bin Salman attended an artistic performance at the Cairo Opera House in Zamalek on Monday evening.

Earlier on Monday, bin Salman paid a visit to Ismailia and inspected a number of national projects. He met with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayyib and visited the Egyptian Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in the Abbasiya district in Cairo, where he then met with Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

The Crown Prince’s three-day visit to Egypt will be followed by a European tour to London, where he will meet with Prime Minister Theresa May on March 7 prior to visiting the United States on March 19 to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.