President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim on Saturday at the National Palace, Istana Negara, in Kuala Lumpur.
Presidency Spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the Malaysian king and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received President Sisi upon his arrival at the palace.
The official reception ceremony featured the national anthems of Egypt and Malaysia, a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute.
El-Shennawy said President Sisi expressed his pride in making a state visit to Malaysia and appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality.
He also praised the longstanding historical ties between the two countries.
For his part, King Sultan Ibrahim expressed Malaysia’s keenness to advance bilateral cooperation with Egypt across areas of mutual interest.
President Sisi stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership between Egypt and Malaysia in several fields and establishing a practical framework to advance cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade and investment sectors.
He also called for intensified political consultations and closer coordination at multilateral forums on regional and international issues, as well as matters of concern to Islamic countries.
The president praised cultural and scientific cooperation between the two countries, particularly the important role played by Al-Azhar in Malaysia.
He also invited the Malaysian king to visit Egypt, an invitation that Sultan Ibrahim welcomed.
Sisi outlined Egypt’s assessment of current regional and international developments and highlighted Cairo’s intensive efforts to reduce regional tensions.
King Sultan Ibrahim, for his part, praised the central role played by Egypt and President Sisi personally in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
He also agreed on the importance of political coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.
Sisi, in turn, praised Malaysia’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, describing it as the central issue in the Middle East.
He stressed the need for a just and comprehensive settlement that guarantees the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and the two-state solution.
During the visit, King Sultan Ibrahim presented President Sisi with the Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara, Malaysia’s highest federal honour. The distinction is awarded to foreign heads of state, princes and other prominent figures.
The honour reflects the distinguished historical ties between Egypt and Malaysia, as well as the Malaysian king’s appreciation for President Sisi.
King Sultan Ibrahim also hosted a luncheon in honour of President Sisi and the accompanying delegation.
