King Abdullah

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah telephoned newly elected Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi on Friday to pledge the Kingdom’s support for the country’s economic development.

El-Sissi thanked King Abdullah for assisting Egypt and congratulating him on winning the elections.

“This is the Kingdom’s duty based on our religion, ethics and the joint destiny of the two countries,” said the king, who is vacationing in the Moroccan city of Casablanca.

King Abdullah and El-Sissi also reviewed relations between the two countries.

On Tuesday, King Abdullah called for a “Friends of Egypt” conference, which would raise funds for the country to weather its current economic crisis.

Egyptian ministers described the initiative as a revival of the spirit of Arab solidarity.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Egyptian ministers welcomed the king’s congratulatory message and said the idea of a donor conference reinforces the fact that all Arab nations have a responsibility and shared interest in ensuring Egypt’s security and stability.

Egypt’s Trade, Industry and Investment Minister Mounir Fakhri Abdel-Nour thanked King Abdullah for his support on behalf of the government and the nation’s people.

“Saudi Arabia has always supported all Arab causes,” he said. Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou said King Abdullah’s call for aid was not surprising.

“King Abdullah has always stood by the Egyptian people and has always worked for their safety and security,” he said.

Nasser Al-Tayyar, vice chairman of Pilot Travel & Tourism, said he would personally support Egypt financially and morally in the coming period.

Al-Tayyar said he would soon hold meetings with Arab investors to encourage them to invest in Egypt, and ensure it assumes its previous strength.

“I took this decision in response to King Abdullah’s call to support Egypt in these difficult times,” he said.