Saudi Crown Prince, Sisi inaugurate newly-renovated Al-Azhar Mosque

CAIRO – 6 March 2018: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman (MBS) inaugurated Al-Azhar Mosque on Tuesday after its three-year maintenance and restoration works have been completed.

The restoration of Al-Azhar Mosque was carried out with the great support of late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady announced in a statement.

During the visit, President Sisi and the Crown Prince reviewed the restoration works undertaken by the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments), which is considered the largest in modern history.

The renovation works included the modernization of the infrastructure of the mosque and its internal and external facades, including the furniture and drainage system, along with ventilation and sound systems similar to those used at the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Accompanied by Sisi and following his three-day visit to Egypt, the Saudi Crown Prince arrived to Cairo Intentional Airport in preparation for his departure.

On Monday, Coptic Pope Tawadros II hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman at the Egyptian Orthodox Cathedral in Abasseya in a historical meeting. The visit started at 3:00 p.m. with high security levels in the cathedral’s vicinity.

President Sisi welcomed Salman on his first official visit to Egypt as heir to the throne. The president emphasized that Egypt’s leadership and people have a high regard and appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given the historic ties between the two countries.