Muscat: Sultan Qaboos Bin Said on Sunday received Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi, who arrived on a three-day state visit to Oman. This is Al Sissi’s first visit to the Sultanate as the president.
An official welcome ceremony was accorded to the Egyptian president. Many Omani and Egyptian ministers were present during the ceremony, including Oman’s Foreign Minister Yousef Bin Alawi and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukhri.
The motorcade was accosted by horsemen, the Oman News Agency reported. After the motorcade reached Al Alam palace, the Egyptian leader was given a 21-gun salute.
The two leaders complimented each other on the strong relations between their countries, as well as their cooperation in various spheres.
Mohamad Gunaim, the Egyptian ambassador in Muscat, told Egyptian Extra news channel that Al Sissi’s visit to Oman was aimed at developing economic ties between the two countries, and increasing investments. He added the Egyptian president will meet leading Omani businessmen during his visit.
Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Rahbi, the Sultanate’s ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations told Egyptian media the relations between the two countries are historical, and that there were many issues of mutual concern that will be discussed during the visit, including terrorism and intra-Arab issues.
He stressed the need for Arab leaders to engage in consultations and dialogue.
Omanis have launched a hashtag on Twitter, which translates to “Oman welcomes Egypt”, to coincide with the visit.
