Sisi holds talks with Saudi king after red-carpet reception at Ittihadiya Palace

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi held talks on Thursday with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz who arrived here earlier in the day.

During the talks, Sisi welcomed the Saudi monarch for paying his first official visit to Egypt since taking over power, according to the presidential spokesman Alaa Yousef. Sisi expressed the appreciation of the Egyptian leadership and people to the Saudi king in light of the monarch's supporting stances towards Egypt.

The two sides expressed their keenness on making this visit a chance to promote the historic as well as brotherly relations binding the two nations, boost joint cooperation in all fields to enhance the joint Arab work and overcome current challenges facing the Arab world.

Following the meeting, the Egyptian president held a luncheon banquet in honor of the Saudi monarch and his accompanying delegation, said presidential spokesman Alaa Yousef.

The two leaders are expected to hold an expanded session of talks on Friday in the presence of the delegation of the two countries.

The talks will be followed by inking agreements.

Earlier today, Sisi welcomed the Saudi king upon his arrival in Cairo International Airport. the Saudi king is currently visiting Egypt for five days.

The king was also officially welcomed at Ittihadiya Palace where the national anthem of the two countries were played. 

Source : MENA