Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, accompanied by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, receives a guard of honor on his arrival in Cairo on Thursday. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman arrived here on Thursday for a five-day visit aimed at solidifying ties with Egypt, ramping up unity in the Arab world and dealing with various regional security, political and economic challenges.

The king was welcomed at Al-Ittihadiyah Palace with a 21-round salute before talks began in earnest. His session of bilateral talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi focused on fraternal relations between the two countries and issues of common interest. Following it, El-Sisi held a luncheon banquet in honor of the king and his accompanying delegation.

Earlier, King Salman was welcomed at the Cairo airport by El-Sisi and top Egyptian officials. This is King Salman’s first visit since he ascended the throne in January 2015.

The Egyptian presidency said that the Kingdom’s support for Egypt would never be forgotten.

Alaa Youssef, the presidential spokesperson said Egypt’s leadership and people welcomed the much-anticipated visit of King Salman, which would further strengthen ties between the two nations.

He said talks between the two leaders would focus on regional security and political and economic issues, which include coordination to counter risks facing the two countries. Several agreements would be signed, he said.

Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, described the visit as “historic.”

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby said in a statement the visit would ensure closer ties between the two old allies.

King Salman is scheduled to visit the Egyptian House of Representatives and Cairo University. The university has decided to award King Salman an honorary doctorate in recognition of his unique role as a global figure who has had a profound and remarkable influence on the Arab world and on the international stage, said Jaber Nassar, rector of the university.

To mark the occasion, Egyptian magazine Al-Mosawer issued a documentary that highlighted the late King Abdul Aziz’s first visit to Egypt in 1945 when he met American President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The ministerial delegation accompanying the king included Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ibrahim Al-Assaf, finance minister, Adel Al-Jubeir, foreign minister, Mufrej Al-Haqabani, labor minister and Sheikh Saleh Al-Sheikh, minister of Islamic affairs, endowments, call and guidance.

The Kingdom will likely sign a $20 billion agreement to finance Egypt’s petroleum needs for the next five years and a $1.5 billion deal to develop the Sinai region. Moreover, Saudi businessmen are investing $4 billion in energy and agriculture projects.

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