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PM Modi in Egypt Highlights: With ‘Order of Nile’, ‘strategic partnership’ agreement, PM Modi concludes two-day visit

Pm modi egypt visit highlights: modi began his maiden state visit to egypt by holding discussions with his egyptian counterpart mostafa madbouly and top cabinet ministers on deepening trade relations and further strengthening the strategic partnership..

PM Modi Egypt State Visit Highlights (June 25): Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day Egypt visit and departed for New Delhi from Cairo, after signing an agreement aimed at elevating bilateral partnership on strategic matter. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also conferred Modi with ‘Order of the Nile’ award, the country’s highest state honour.

El-Sisi welcomed Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Egypt, at the Presidential Palace where the two leaders were closeted for one-on-one meeting. Modi also visited the historic 11th-century Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo on Sunday, which was restored with the help of India’s Dawoodi Bohra community. He later paid tributes to Indian soldiers who fought the World War I in Egypt and Palestine at Cairo’s Heliopolis War Cemetery . This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 26 years.

Modi began his maiden state visit to Egypt by holding discussions with his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly. Seven members of the Egyptian Cabinet, led by Madbouly, were present at the meeting with Modi. This first official engagement was a meeting with the India Unit, a group of high-level ministers constituted by President El-Sisi in March to further enhance the relationship with India.

PM Modi Egypt Visit Highlights: PM Modi visits historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, pays tribute to Indian soldiers at Heliopolis War Cemetery; PM Modi to meet President El-Sisi today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Egypt visit came to a close as he emplaned for his departure to New Delhi from Cairo.

Here is all that happened on the second day of his Egypt visit:

Agreement to elevate 'strategic partnership' signed
Visit to pyramids of Giza
Meeting with Abdal Fatteh El-Sisi, received 'Order of Nile'
Visit to Heliopolis War Cemetery
Visit to historic Al-Hakim Mosque
Met noted Egyptian author Tarek Heggy, businessman Hassan Allam, yoga practitioners Nada Adel and Reem Jabak
Met Grand Mufti of Egypt

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for Delhi, from Cairo. The PM was on a two-day State visit to Egypt after concluding his maiden State visit to the US. pic.twitter.com/LqKnjCU0Z9 — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi signed an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership". Both the leaders discussed ways to further deepen the partnership between the two nations, including in trade, investment, defence, security, renewable energy, cultural and people-to-people ties.

The two sides signed an agreement to elevate the bilateral partnership to a "strategic partnership." In addition, three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of agriculture, archaeology and antiquities and competition law were also signed between India and Egypt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the great pyramids of Giza on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital, which were included in the Seven Wonders of the World.

Escorted by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Modi visited the three pyramids of the 4th-dynasty erected on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River near Al-Jizah (Giza) in northern Egypt. Modi was seen seeking details about the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the largest Egyptian pyramid and served as the tomb of pharaoh Khufu, who ruled under the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.

Built in the early 26th century B.C., over a period of about 27 years, the pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only wonder that has remained largely intact.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Great Pyramid of Giza in Cairo, Egypt. pic.twitter.com/QY851jeDsJ — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2023

Over the past nine years, the Prime Minister has been conferred the Companion of the Order of Logohu, the highest civilian award of Papua New Guinea; the Companion of the Order of Fiji; the Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau; the Order of the Druk Gyalp, the highest civilian decoration by Bhutan.

Modi has also been conferred with the Legion of Merit by the US Government; the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by Bahrain; the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, the highest honour of the Maldives; the Order of St. Andrew award, the highest civilian honour of Russia.

Modi has also received the Order of Zayed Award, the highest civilian honour of the United Arab Emirates; the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, the highest honour of Palestine; the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, the highest civilian honour of Afghanistan and the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the highest honour of Saudi Arabia awarded to non-Muslim dignitaries.

Instituted in 1915, the 'Order of the Nile' is conferred upon heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services. This is the 13th highest state honour conferred upon Prime Minister Modi.

The 'Order of the Nile' is a pure gold collar consisting of three-square gold units comprising Pharaonic symbols. The first unit resembles the idea of protecting the state against the evils, the second one resembles prosperity and happiness brought by the Nile and the third one refers to wealth and endurance.

The three units are connected to one another by a circular gold flower decorated with turquoise and ruby. Hanging from the collar is a hexagonal pendant decorated with flowers of the Pharaonic style, and turquoise and ruby gems. In the middle of the pendant, there is a protruding symbol representing the Nile that brings together the North (represented by the Papyrus) and the South (represented by the Lotus).

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conferred the highest state honour' Order of Nile' on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the presidential palace in Cairo. The leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries with a focus on improving trade and investments, energy ties and people-to-people connect.

VIDEO | President El-Sisi confers PM Modi with 'Order of the Nile' award - Egypt's highest state honour. #PMModiEgyptVisit pic.twitter.com/knzGCiPHlD — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cairo and offered tributes to the Indian soldiers who bravely fought and laid down their lives in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War.

Modi offered floral tributes and signed the visitor's book at the Cemetery that comprises the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial and the Heliopolis (Aden) Memorial.

The Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial commemorates nearly 4,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting in Egypt and Palestine in the First World War.

The Heliopolis (Aden) Memorial pays tribute to more than 600 men of the Commonwealth forces who sacrificed their lives for Aden during the First World War.

The Cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It also houses 1,700 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War as well as several war graves of other nationalities, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

Located at the south end of the Suez Canal, the original Port Tewfik memorial was unveiled in 1926.

Designed by Sir John Burnet, the original memorial sustained damages during the 1967-1973 Israeli-Egyptian conflict and was eventually demolished, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

In October 1980, a new memorial with panels bearing the names of the martyred Indian soldiers was unveiled by the Indian Ambassador to Egypt in the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the historic 11th-century Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo on Sunday, which was restored with the help of India’s Dawoodi Bohra community. The Prime Minister was seen appreciating the intricate carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque which was built in 1012.

Over a thousand years old, al-Hakim is the fourth oldest mosque in Cairo, and the second Fatimid mosque to be built in the city. The mosque covers an area of 13,560 square metres, with the iconic central courtyard occupying 5,000 square metres.

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslims are a sect of followers of Islam who adhere to the Fatimi Ismaili Tayyibi school of thought. They are known to have originated from Egypt and later shifted to Yemen, before establishing a presence in India in the 11th century.

(Photos: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official engagement in the country on Saturday was a meeting with the India Unit, a group of high-level ministers constituted by El-Sisi in March to enhance India-Egypt relations. Seven members of the Egyptian Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, were also present during the discussions on deepening trade relations and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

"The setting up of the India Unit in the Egyptian cabinet indicates the priority given to India-Egypt ties," Modi said.

The setting up of the India Unit in @CabinetEgy indicates the priority given to India-Egypt ties. Today in Cairo, I met this Unit. PM Mostafa Madbouly and other esteemed Ministers were present in the meeting. pic.twitter.com/5qAEHJydHg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Egyptian author Tarek Heggy in Cairo on Saturday.

"He shared his insightful views on global issues. I admire his rich knowledge on issues relating to different cultures," Modi wrote.

It was a delight to interact with noted thinker @heggy_tarek . He shared his insightful views on global issues. I admire his rich knowledge on issues relating to different cultures. pic.twitter.com/qs9Q2HS8KB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first visit to Egypt as the PM, met yoga practitioners Nada Adel and Reem Jabak in Cairo on Saturday.

"Nada Adel and Reem Jabak are making commendable efforts to make Yoga popular across Egypt. Had a wonderful conversation with them in Cairo," he wrote on Twitter.

On International Day of Yoga on June 21, Modi had led the event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, US.

Nada Adel and Reem Jabak are making commendable efforts to make Yoga popular across Egypt. Had a wonderful conversation with them in Cairo. pic.twitter.com/rDBD2lfYEE — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his maiden State visit to Egypt, met Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company in Cairo on Saturday, and called the meeting "fruitful".

"In addition to topics relating to the economy and investments, I really enjoyed hearing his passion towards preserving cultural heritage in Egypt," Modi wrote.

My meeting with Mr. Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company was a fruitful one. In addition to topics relating to the economy and investments, I really enjoyed hearing his passion towards preserving cultural heritage in Egypt. pic.twitter.com/fA5fyOzSkG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first State visit to Egypt, met the Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam in Cairo on Saturday.

"Had enriching discussions on India-Egypt ties, notably cultural and people-to-people linkages," Modi wrote on Twitter.

Honoured to have met the Grand Mufti of Egypt, His Eminence Prof. Shawky Ibrahim Allam. Had enriching discussions on India-Egypt ties, notably cultural and people-to-people linkages. pic.twitter.com/GMx4FCx2E0 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2023

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi and Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly hold a roundtable meeting in Cairo pic.twitter.com/pxN5Mczh1X — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

#WATCH | An Egyptian woman sings 'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge' to welcome PM Modi in Cairo pic.twitter.com/Ce4WGcSYhc — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

India and Egypt also share a close political understanding based on a long history of contact and cooperation in bilateral, regional and global issues. The joint announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations at the Ambassadorial level was made on August 18, 1947.

Since the 1980s, there have been four Prime Ministerial visits from India to Egypt.

Rajiv Gandhi visited the country in 1985, PV Narasimha Rao in 1995, IK Gujral in 1997, and Manmohan Singh in 2009. From the Egyptian side, President Hosni Mubarak visited India in 1982, 1983 (NAM Summit), and again in 2008. High-level exchanges with Egypt continued after the Arab Spring uprising in 2011 and then President Mohamed Morsi visited India in March 2013. External Affairs Minister (EAM) visited Cairo in March 2012 and the Egyptian Foreign Minister visited India in December 2013. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a roundtable meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo on Saturday.

The Prime Minister, who arrived in Egypt on Saturday (local time), is scheduled to address the Indian community.

Indian Ambassador to Egypt Ajit Gupte on Friday said for the first time, a roundtable meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Egyptian Prime Minister is taking place. (ANI)

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi holds meeting with Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly in Cairo pic.twitter.com/Ha2HL6Wyeb — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

Former Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd) speaks to ANI on PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Egypt...he says "In the field of defence, India and Egypt have had excellent bilateral relationships. Historically our defence forces have shared a close bond. We… pic.twitter.com/goGeBIcMJP — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived for his first State visit to Egypt, Ajit Gupte, the Indian ambassador to the African country, said the ties between the two countries go back over 4,000 years.

He expressed hope that PM Modi's ongoing visit would yield "very concrete outcomes".

PM Modi, who was received by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on his arrival at Cairo and was accorded a ceremonial welcome, became the first Prime Minister to visit the country since 1997.

Speaking to ANI, Gupte said, "India and Egypt are two of the greatest ancient civilisations in the world and our ties go back more than 4000 years. Actually, emperor Ashoka referred to Egyptian king Ptolme II in the 3rd century BC. In recent years, the relationship has gone from shrinks to shrinks, particularly after Prime Minister Modi and President Sisi came to power." He said the people of Egypt were very familiar with the Indian culture and want to build ties with India.

"Everyone in Egypt is familiar with the Indian culture. They have been watching Bollywood movies for decades. They know that India and Egypt came together to form the Non-Aligned Movement. Their people closely associate with our values and want to be close to India," he said. (ANI)

#WATCH | Before PM Modi's roundtable meeting with the Egyptian PM in Cairo, the Tricolour is hoisted ahead of the Egyptian flag, in recognition of the special relationship between the two countries & the significance Egypt attaches to ties with India pic.twitter.com/FYH3ZKTsZ2 — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: Former Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SB Deo (Retd) on PM Narendra Modi's visit to Egypt..."Egypt and India's cooperation is not just plain selling, but we look at each other as developers together...Many people don't know that in the 80s, Egypt… pic.twitter.com/qLo1yjQ8Ls — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

As part of the second leg of his two-nation visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Cairo for a state visit to Egypt from June 24 to 25 . PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday. The two countries would also sign a set of memorandums aiming at solidifying their ties, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry. Modi’s visit came six months after el-Sissi attended India’s Republic Day parade as an official guest.

In January, el-Sissi and Modi agreed on measures to increase the two-way trade in five years to $12 billion, up from $7.3 billion in 2021-22. During el-Sissi’s visit, the countries also signed agreements on expanding cooperation in cyber security, information technology, culture, and broadcasting. India is one of the top five importers of Egyptian products, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas, salt, cotton, inorganic chemicals and oilseeds.

Major Indian exports to Egypt include cotton yarn, coffee, herbs, tobacco, lentils, vehicle parts, ships, boats and electrical machinery. More than 50 Indian companies have invested around $3.15 billion in various parts of the Egyptian economy, including chemicals, energy, textiles, garments, agri-business and retailing, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry. (AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay his respects at the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial in the Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt, where the names of nearly 4,000 Indian soldiers who fought in Word War 1 in Egypt and Palestine are commemorated. The Heliopolis Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery also commemorates 1,700 Commonwealth soldiers who died in World War 2. Read more

A poem titled "Gandhi" by Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawqi on the role of Mahatma Gandhi in India's independence struggle finds centre stage at the Cairo hotel, the venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stay during his visit to the country.

Photographs of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to India this January also find place in the exhibition.

PM Modi on Saturday arrived on a two-day State visit to Egypt.

During this visit, PM Modi will hold strategic talks with his counterpart Mostafa Madbouly and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Several members of the Indian community were present at the Ritz Carlton hotel here welcome PM Modi They have expressed immense excitement regarding PM Modi's arrival and have called this a proud moment. (ANI)

#WATCH | Photographs of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to India exhibited in the hotel in Cairo, where PM Modi is due to arrive during his two-day State visit to Egypt today Several members of the Indian community are also present in the hotel to welcome PM Modi… pic.twitter.com/UhwW5xiZJE — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

#WATCH | PM Modi receives a warm welcome from members of the Indian community at the hotel in Cairo PM Modi is on a two-day State visit to Egypt pic.twitter.com/JTy2wqstEz — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

VIDEO | PM Modi lands in Egypt for the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM after 26 years. In a special honour, Egypt PM received PM Modi at the airport. PM Modi also inspected a guard of honour on his arrival. #PMModiEgyptVisit pic.twitter.com/z7rt0YFany — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 24, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on his first state visit to Egypt, will visit Cairo's historic Al-Hakim Mosque, restored with the help of India's Dawoodi Bohra community.

Modi's visit to the mosque scheduled on Sunday holds special significance for India.

The Mosque has been restored with the help of India's Dawoodi Bohra community, the Egyptian government's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said. The latest restoration was completed about three months ago.

The mosque mainly performs Friday prayers and all five obligatory prayers. (PTI)

The visit of Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to Delhi this week is not just about India rebuilding ties with an old friend that had been on the margins of Delhi’s diplomacy for too long. India’s decision to elevate bilateral ties to the strategic level is rooted in a recognition of the enduring salience of Egypt as a pivotal state sitting at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and Europe, with the capacity to influence political outcomes on multiple fronts.

Beyond bilateral ties, the renewed engagement with Egypt is also about expanding and consolidating India’s new coalition with moderate Sunni states in the Middle East, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are eager to counter violent religious extremism. Read more

During his two-day June 24 to 25 State visit to Egypt, PM Narendra Modi will hold a roundtable meeting with the Egyptian PM and also meet President El-Sisi. Later on, PM Modi will interact with the Indian community.

PM Modi is scheduled to meet the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, today and will also interact with Egyptian thought leaders.

On Sunday, PM Modi will visit Al-Hakim Mosque. The Prime Minister will spend nearly half an hour at the Al-Hakim Mosque-- a historic and prominent mosque in Cairo named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (985-1021), the 16th Fatimid caliph.

During his Egypt tour, PM Modi will also visit the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during the First World War. (ANI)

#WATCH | MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi elaborates on PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Egypt as the PM lands in Cairo pic.twitter.com/v8jepgcZRK — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

After wrapping up his first State visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 24) evening landed in Egypt for his two-day visit to the country. Arriving for the first time in Cairo since he assumed the top job, Modi will be the first Indian PM to embark upon an official bilateral visit to the country since 1997.

As the two leaders meet for the second time within six months, their scheduled interaction highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries, especially in recent years. While Delhi seeks to consolidate its position in the Arab world with Cairo’s help, the latter wants India to expand its trade and investments in the country to help deal with its ongoing economic crisis. Read more

As part of the second leg of his two-nation visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Cairo for a state visit to Egypt from June 24 to 25 .Modi was welcomed at the airport in Cairo by Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. This will be Modi’s first visit to Egypt as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years. Modi will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday. (PTI)

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi by his side, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that India and Egypt are “worried about the spread of terrorism happening around the world” and they are “unanimous” that terrorism is the “most serious security threat” to humanity.

He also said that both countries also agree that “concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism” and that they will together alert the international community.

Sisi, who held talks with Modi, said that they shared a “common perspective” and that joint cooperation will help eliminate violence because the spread of violence, terrorism and extremist ideology represents a serious threat not only to the two countries, but also to all countries around the world.

Modi and Sisi, according to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, had a “warm and productive conversation”, after which they decided to elevate the bilateral partnership to the level of a “strategic partnership”. Read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Egypt on June 24-25 is the culmination of a series of carefully calibrated initiatives taken by India over the last year or so. These include the decision to invite Egypt, along with UAE and Oman, as India’s special guests to the summit and to the scores of other events being organised during our G20 presidency. They also reflect the important groundwork done during the Cairo visits of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in September and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in October 2022. These paved the way for the invitation to President Abdel Fattah al Sisi to participate as chief guest on India’s Republic Day in January 2023. PM Modi’s visit a mere five months later, to be followed by President Sisi’s return to New Delhi in September for the G20 Summit, marks a frequency of interaction that has been entirely missing since the golden years of the relationship in the 1950s when Prime Minister Nehru and President Nasser connected frequently. Read more

During his stay in Egypt, the prime minister will be visiting the Heliopolis War Memorial. This is a memorial which has been erected by the Commonwealth but it is a memorial for 3,799 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in various battles in Egypt during the First World War. They were essentially defending Egypt from attacks from the Ottoman forces, Ajit Gupte, India's Ambassador to Egypt, said to PTI in an interview.

Prime Minister Modi will be arriving in Cairo Saturday evening at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. It will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1997.

He will also visit the 11th Century Al-Hakim mosque, restored with the help of the Dawoodi Bohra community.

The mosque was built during the Fatimid dynasty. The Bora community in India actually originated from the Fatima dynasty and they have renovated the mosque from the 1970s onwards.

"Also, there is a memorial for 600 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in Yemen in the first world war so it is a very moving moment when Prime Minister will visit and he will be acknowledging the sacrifices made by Indians for international peace," Gupte added. (PTI)

#WATCH | PM Modi to visit the historic Al-Hakim Mosque built during the Fatimid dynasty in Cairo on his two-day State visit to Egypt starting on June 24 pic.twitter.com/P4y8rXJgCd — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023

Indian community in Egypt is ecstatic and upbeat about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to the country. The community members said that they were waiting for PM Modi for the last nine years ever since he became the Prime Minister of India and are excited to welcome him.After concluding his four-day State visit to the United States, PM Modi on Friday (local time) departed for Egypt. This will be a two-day and his first tour to Egypt.

Speaking to ANI, Deepti Singh, President of the Indian Community in Egypt, said, "It's going to be great to have PM Narendra Modi here, and we are very excited to welcome him. The Indian community in Egypt has been waiting for him to visit Egypt ever since he became the Prime Minister. Everyone is preparing for this visit." "People of Egypt like India because of civilization and Bollywood. We are proud of the work done by PM Modi, starting from infrastructure to COVID-19 vaccine. Modi ji has proved his mettle and is one of the most powerful leaders of the world. Our image in Egypt has got better due to PM Modi. We now feel proud and honoured when people tell us that you are coming from the biggest economy," she said. (ANI)

#WATCH | "We feel lucky and excited to have PM Modi in Egypt," says Alka Walia, a member of the Indian diaspora who has been in Egypt for the last 17 years. #Cairo pic.twitter.com/vZDMwK0yi8 — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2023

Egypt and India have had close defence ties, said India's ambassador to Egypt, Ajit Gupte to PTI in an interview.

"They have been participating for many years in joint exercises, training programmes, etc. But in the last two years, our defence cooperation has grown from strength to strength, and I'm happy to convey that 30 Indian defence delegations have visited Egypt in the last two years while from Egypt about seven defence delegations have gone to India," he said.

For the first time ever, there were joint exercises between the fighter aircraft of the air forces of India and Egypt. "From Egypt, we were very happy to have received an Egyptian military Convention, which led the Republic Day Parade this year... We also had for the first time ever, joint exercises between our Special Forces in the desert in Rajasthan," he said. (PTI)

'We had the pleasure of receiving President Sisi as the Chief Guest at our Republic Day celebrations this year,' PM Modi noted. These two visits in the span of a few months are 'a reflection of our rapidly evolving partnership' with Egypt, which was elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership' during President Sisi's visit, Modi said. (PTI)

PM @narendramodi is on his way to Egypt for a State visit. Here is a quick look into India’s multifaceted ties with Egypt. pic.twitter.com/0FQjMtJn9Q — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2023

Man Aman Singh Chhina explains the significance of Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial

PM Modi Egypt Visit Highlights

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Why is Indian PM Narendra Modi’s Egypt visit significant?

The trip is anticipated to pave the way for a substantial increase in India’s investment in the North African country.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a photo opportunity at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, September 2, 2016.

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Egypt, some analysts have hailed it as a potential “game changer” for bilateral ties.

The trip has been expected to pave the way for a substantial increase in India’s investment in the North African country and a ladder for Egypt to gain entry to the BRICS economic bloc.

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It is Modi’s first visit to the country as prime minister and the first by any Indian prime minister since 1997.

It has come months after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s January visit to New Delhi when he was the chief guest at India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations. El-Sisi was the first Egyptian president accorded the honour.

Modi’s visit has been viewed as strengthening the bilateral relations the two sides had already elevated to a strategic level during el-Sisi’s January visit. Analysts say it could also reveal the contours of how ties could unfurl in the days ahead.

“This is a very quick, reciprocal visit coming just within six months of President Sisi’s visit to India. We do expect and are confident that the visit will not just ensure continuing momentum to the relationship between our two countries, but will also help it expand to new areas of trade and economic engagement,” Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

From Egypt’s point of view, it is more about diversifying partnerships beyond the Western bloc. For India, observers have said it is to consolidate its position as a voice of the Global South as it gears up to host the G20 meeting in September in the capital New Delhi.

Apart from bilateral talks and the signing of various trade agreements, Modi will interact with the small Indian community and was expected to meet some prominent leaders in Egypt.

India and Egypt have enjoyed close ties as they were the founding numbers of the 1961 Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) – a global forum of 120 developing countries that believed in the non-alignment of major power blocs.

In recent years, el-Sisi has travelled to India three times. While Egypt has eyed increasing India’s investment in the country, experts said New Delhi is looking for deeper access to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through Cairo.

‘Refurbished image’

Aftab Kamal Pasha, who taught Middle Eastern Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, told Al Jazeera that Egypt and India have enjoyed friendly relations historically.

“There are clear limits to what he [Modi] can get from the GCC [ Gulf Cooperation Council ] states, so he turned to Egypt,” Pasha said.

Pasha said el-Sisi would like to see Egypt join BRICS – a powerful grouping of the world’s major economies including Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

Modi “wants to balance China in the organisation” and also to prevent Pakistan, which Beijing wants inside BRICS, from joining, he said. Expectations have been high that Modi will announce India’s support for Egypt’s desire to join BRICS.

“Modi will be able to project at home that the most important Arab country is supporting India … without attacking his policy towards Indian Muslims , not mentioning what he’s doing in Kashmir ,” said Pasha.

What do both countries seek?

Egypt’s economy has endured tumultuous periods over the past few years, initially caused by the pandemic and then followed by the Russia-Ukraine war, which affected the food supply of almost 80 percent of Egypt’s grains imported from Russia and Ukraine.

The war also impacted Egypt’s foreign exchange reserves. In 2022, despite putting restrictions on wheat exports, India stepped in to assist crisis-ridden Egypt and allowed shipments of 61,500 metric tonnes to the country.

To overcome the crisis, Egypt is eyeing investment from India to meet its foreign debt obligations and maintain food security. Since Russia’s invasion, Egypt’s currency has depreciated nearly by half. Multiple foreign investors have pulled billions out of Egyptian treasury markets.

Analysts have said close ties with Cairo can also hold significance for India. The most populous country in MENA, Egypt holds a crucial geostrategic significance as 12 percent of global trade passes through the Suez Canal.

Cairo can be a gateway to major markets in both Europe and Africa for India, experts said. India has also been concerned about China’s growing influence in Egypt.

China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is currently at $15bn, double that of India’s $7.26bn in 2021-22. The latest bilateral trade reached $5.18bn from April 22 to January 23.

Regional recognition

Fazzur Rahman Siddiqui, senior research fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi, told Al Jazeera that India intends to emerge as a significant power in the Global South.

“Since Modi came to power, India has tried to broaden its foreign policy outreach. India has opened almost 20 new missions on the African continent,” Siddiqui said.

“Egypt has lost its voice in regional affairs like in Palestine, Ethiopia, and many African countries over the years. The kind of say it used to have; they have lost their shine. And Egypt is now looking beyond the continent, and India happens to be potential for its growing stature.”

He said by allying with Egypt, India could have deeper access to the Arab world, Africa, and much deeper access to Israel. After taking over the G20 presidency in December 2022, India has invited Egypt to participate as a “guest country”.

In an interview with the Indian daily Hindustan Times last week, Egyptian ambassador to India, Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed, called the visits “game-changers”.

“We can reinforce each other’s position on the international front … we are offering India a very promising opportunity of taking Egypt as a springboard to three regions – Europe, the Middle East, and the whole of Africa,” he said.

“With the launch of the direct connection between Cairo and New Delhi, along with the possibility of having an industrial zone for India in Egypt – these are all things that will really solidify our relations and take them to new horizons.”

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Indian Prime Minister Modi arrives in Egypt on a two-day visit to strengthen ties

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a State Visit Luncheon at the State Department, Friday, June 23, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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CAIRO (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day visit to Egypt on Saturday, a trip that underscores the growing ties between the two countries.

Modi’s flight landed at Cairo’s international airport Saturday afternoon, coming from a four-day trip to the United States where he held talks with President Joe Biden , delivered a speech to the U.S. Congress, and met with top American and Indian executives.

It’s the first state visit to Egypt by an Indian prime minister since 1997.

Modi was received by Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, and the two inspected an honor guard and listened to the national anthems. Modi took to Twitter to thank Madbouly for “the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport,” and added, “May India-Egypt ties flourish and benefit the people of our nations.”

Modi and Madbouly then held talks on strengthening Egyptian-Indo ties, according to Egypt’s state-run MENA news agency. The talks were attended by senior government officials from both countries, MENA reported.

Modi also discussed “countering extremism and radicalization” with Grand Mufti Shawki Allam, Egypt’s Islamic jurist, said Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for India’s External Affairs Ministry.

An Indian Hindu holy man shows his finger marked with indelible ink after casting his vote during the fifth round of multi-phase national elections outside a polling station in Ayodhya, India, Monday, May 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Modi is scheduled to hold talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday. The two countries would also sign a set of memorandums aimed at solidifying their ties.

Also on Sunday, Modi will visit a historic mosque, Al-Hakim, in Islamic Cairo, which was recently renovated with the help of the India-based Dawoodi Bohra community. He is also scheduled to visit the Heliopolis War Cemetery to pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I.

Modi’s visit comes six months after el-Sissi attended India’s Republic Day parade as an official guest .

India is one of the top five importers of Egyptian products, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas, salt, cotton, inorganic chemicals and oilseeds. Major Indian exports to Egypt include cotton yarn, coffee, herbs, tobacco, lentils, vehicle parts, ships, boats and electrical machinery.

More than 50 Indian companies have invested around $3.15 billion in various parts of the Egyptian economy, including chemicals, energy, textiles, garments, agri-business and retailing, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry.

BJP MP Parvesh Verma said the prime minister asked what was happening in the country and how was the party's public outreach programme going on.

"We apprised him about that," he said.

Prime Minister Modi returned to India in the early hours of Monday after his six-day visit to the US and Egypt during which several landmark agreements were signed.

After returning to India from his foreign visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked BJP president J P Nadda and other leaders what was happening in the country, party leaders, who had gone to receive him at the airport here, said.

Egyptian President Sisi backs India’s focus on Global South as ties turn strategic

Apart from BJP national president J P Nadda and party MPs from Delhi, Delhi BJP chief Virend Sachdeva too received PM Modi at the airport.

"I fully agree with you, President Biden! Friendship between our countries is a force of global good," PM Modi says in reply to US President Joe Biden's tweet.

PM Narendra Modi welcomed by BJP president J P Nadda and party MPs at Delhi airport on his return after visit to US, Egypt

"Matter of pride for country," says Sitharaman after Egypt confers highest state honour on PM Modi

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said it is a matter of pride for the country that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Egypt's highest state honour, the Order of the Nile award, in Cairo. This is the 13th such state honour that several countries have conferred upon PM Modi. While addressing a press conference in Delhi, Nirmala Sitharaman said, "During PM Modi's ongoing visit to Egypt, he has been conferred with Order of the Nile, Egypt's highest honour. Prime Minister has received 13 highest orders to date. It is a matter of pride for the country."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his visit to Egypt, departs for New Delhi.

Prime Minister also extended an invitation to the (Egypt) President for the G20 Summit which is upcoming in September 2023: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

...(Egyptian) President Sisi conferred on PM Modi, the 'Order of the Nile' honour which is the highest civilian award in Egypt. PM remarked that the recognition symbolises two main things --- the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and the people of the two societies.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra says, "PM Narendra Modi is on a State visit to Egypt at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This is the PM's first visit to Egypt. He arrived yesterday afternoon and was warmly received by the PM of Egypt at the airport and was also accorded a ceremonial welcome yesterday, including the Guard of Honour at the airport."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes tour of pyramids at Giza.

PM Modi visits Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo to pay respects to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during WW I

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetery here and offered tributes to the Indian soldiers who bravely fought and laid down their lives in Egypt and Palestine during the First World War.Modi offered floral tributes and signed the visitor's book at the Cemetery that comprises the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial and the Heliopolis (Aden) Memorial."Prime Minister paid homage to over 4,300 valiant Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Egypt and Aden during the 1st World War," the MEA said in a press release.

You are India's hero, Indian community members in Egypt tell PM Modi

Members of the Indian community in Egypt showered fulsome praise on Narendra Modi, hailing him as "India's hero", as he became the first Indian prime minister to undertake a bilateral visit to the strategically located Middle East nation in 26 years. Modi, who arrived here on Saturday after concluding a high-profile state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden, was given a rousing welcome at the Ritz Carlton hotel, where he interacted with the Indian diaspora in separate groups.

PM Modi visited the historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo.

PM Modi meets Egypt's Grand Mufti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met the Grand Mufti of the country, Shawky Ibrahim Allam.During the meeting which took place on Saturday, the first day of his ongoing state visit to Egypt, the Grand Mufti fondly recalled his recent visit to India and highlighted the strong cultural and people to people relations between India and Egypt.Modi conveyed that India would set up a centre of excellence in IT at the Dar-al-Ifta under the Ministry of Social Justice of Egypt.He also appreciated the Prime Minister’s leadership in fostering inclusivity and pluralism, official sources said.Discussions between the two leaders also focussed on issues related to social and religious harmony in society and countering extremism and radicalisation.

List of international awards received by PM Modi

What is Egypt's 'Order of the Nile' award, conferred on PM Modi?

PM Modi meets Egyptian President El-Sisi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi here and discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries with a focus on improving trade and investments, energy ties and people-to-people connect.

'Order of the Nile' award is Egypt's highest state honour

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi confers PM Narendra Modi with 'Order of the Nile' award, in Cairo

PM Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sign an MoU during talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo.

Why PM Modi visited Al-Hakim Mosque, Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited Egypt's historic 11th century Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, restored with the help of India's Dawoodi Bohra community.

PM Narendra Modi meets Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in Cairo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt.

The mosque was recently renovated with help from Dawoodi Bohra community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, Egypt

PM Modi will pay tribute today to Indian soldiers, who fought in Egypt and Palestine during the World War I, at Heliopolis War Cemetery, Cairo.

PM Modi discusses energy security, economy with Egyptian CEO, oil strategist

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions on the economy, infrastructure development and energy security with an Egyptian CEO and oil strategist during the visit to the Mediterranean nation. Modi met Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, and Egyptian author and petroleum strategist Tarek Heggy in Cairo on the first day of his two-day visit to Egypt on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

PM Modi meets thought leaders in Egypt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met prominent personalities in Egypt, including Hassan Allam, CEO of one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East and North African region, and Tarek Heggy, a renowned author and petroleum strategist.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold delegation level talks with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi today

"I was honoured to meet PM Modi today," says Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam after meeting PM Modi in Cairo.

Honoured to have met the Grand Mufti of Egypt, tweets PM Modi

PM Modi held a warm conversation with two young prominent Yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel, in Cairo, tweets Arindam Bagchi

— MEAIndia (@MEAIndia)

I was honoured to meet PM Modi today, this was our second meeting. Between the two meetings, I have seen that there is great development in India. PM Modi reflects the wise leadership for a big country like India. Wise policies are being adopted by PM Modi in bringing co-existence between the various factions in India. At the religious level, we have strong cooperation with India. Indian side is also going to provide an Information Technology Centre of Excellence here. We have lots of scope of cooperation.

Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam

Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam presents a special gift to PM Modi, in Cairo.

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PM Modi arrives in Egypt for first bilateral visit, receives a warm welcome from Mostafa Madbouly

This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years. Modi will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday.

Updated Jun 24, 2023, 7:51 PM IST

He will also visit the 11th Century Al-Hakim mosque, restored with the help of the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Cairo on Saturday, June 24, for his first bilateral visit to Egypt. He was received at the airport by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Madbouly on a range of issues, including trade, investment, and security cooperation. He will also meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

The visit is seen as an attempt by India to strengthen its ties with Egypt, a key regional player in the Middle East. India is looking to expand its trade and investment ties with Egypt, and the visit is also seen as an opportunity to discuss ways to boost cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Modi's visit to Egypt comes after his successful visit to the United States, where he met with President Joe Biden and other top US officials. The visit to Egypt is part of Modi's efforts to strengthen India's ties with its partners in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, India's ambassador said that the country's multi-faceted relations with Egypt, which was elevated to a strategic partnership this year, will receive further impetus with the first state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to this key Middle East nation.

"We are very much looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Cairo from 24th to 25th of June. The visit is a very historic occasion because the last bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister was as far back as 1997," Ajit Gupte, India's Ambassador to Egypt, to PTI in an interview.

Modi will hold talks with El-Sisi on Sunday to discuss ways to give further impetus to the strategic partnership between the two major nations.

"I am excited to pay a state visit to a close and friendly country for the first time," Modi said in his departure statement in New Delhi on Tuesday before leaving for the United States on his maiden state visit.

"We had the pleasure of receiving President Sisi as the Chief Guest at our Republic Day celebrations this year," he noted.

During his stay here, the prime minister will also be visiting the Heliopolis War Memorial. This is a memorial which has been erected by the Commonwealth but it is a memorial for 3,799 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in various battles in Egypt during the First World War. They were essentially defending Egypt from attacks from the Ottoman forces, he said.

He will also visit the 11th Century Al-Hakim mosque, restored with the help of the Dawoodi Bohra community.

The mosque was built during the Fatimid dynasty. The Bora community in India actually originated from the Fatima dynasty and they have renovated the mosque from the 1970s onwards.

Also Read: PM Modi meets Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, discusses AI and technology cooperation with India

#Prime Minister Narendra Modi
#PM Modi Egypt visit
#Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
#PM Modi bilateral visit

Modi in Egypt: Glimpses from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to Egypt I HIGHLIGHTS

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PM Modi Egypt Visit Live Updates: PM Modi leaves for India after concluding state visits

Pm modi in us live updates: earlier in the day, pm modi met egypt’s grand mufti, discusses radicalisation and later visited al-hakim mosque, heliopolis war cemetery.

pm modi in egypt live updates, narendra modi egypt live updates, narenda modi egypt, pm modi egypt visit, pm modi egypt visit live, modi egypt visit

Narendra Modi Egypt Visit Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today. This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years. On Saturday, he arrived in Cairo as part of his two-nation visit, marking his first visit to Egypt as Prime Minister. Welcomed by Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Modi’s state visit to Egypt is scheduled from June 24 to 25.

Prime Minister Modi held discussions with President El-Sisi, as well as hold interactions with high-ranking officials from the Egyptian government, notable personalities from Egypt, and the Indian community residing there, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA further emphasized that the relations between India and Egypt are built upon historical trade and economic ties, along with strong cultural and people-to-people connections.

Keep watching this corner for further updates:

PM Modi in US Live Updates:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for India after concluding state visits to US and Egypt.

India and Egypt on Sunday elevated their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership' as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held wide-ranging talks with a particular focus on enhancing political and security cooperation.

Modi, who is visiting Egypt at the invitation of President Sisi, held one-on-one conversation with El-Sisi during which they also took stock of what is happening on important issues of the region and the world.

Addressing a media briefing on the visit by Modi, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said four MoUs and agreements were signed, including the “most important and landmark” one on the “Strategic Partnership” between India and Egypt. (PTI)

After his meeting with Egyptian President al-Sisi, PM Modi visited the Great Pyramids of Giza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGBXFqE18U8

In the past nine years of tenure, PM Modi received many international awards. This is the 13th such highest state honour that various countries across the world have conferred upon PM Modi.

The list of awards PM Modi received during the last 9 years of his tenure includes- 'Companion of the Order of Logohu' by Papua New Guinea, 'Companion of the Order of Fiji', Ebakl Award by the Republic of Palau, Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Legion of Merit by the US Government. (ANI)

Egyptian President al-Sisi confers PM Modi with 'Order of the Nile' award. 'Order of the Nile', is Egypt's highest state honour.

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672891742599938050

PM Narendra Modi meets Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672884142625923074

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met prominent personalities in Egypt including Tarek Heggy, a renowned thinker and petroleum strategist, and discussed global geopolitics, energy security, radicalism and on ways to foster closer cooperation with Indian companies in different sectors.

India should consider negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Egypt as the Mediterranean nation holds huge potential for the domestic industry in various sectors like agri products, steel items and light vehicles, according to exporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Cairo for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai said that India and Egypt have historic trade relations, which are robust and fairly balanced. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed Egypt-India ties as well as issues related to promoting social harmony and countering extremism and radicalisation with the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawky Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam. On his first state visit to Egypt, the Prime Minister apprised the Grand Mufti that India would set up a Centre of Excellence in IT at the Dar-al-Ifta – an Egyptian advisory body for Islamic legal research – under the Ministry of Social Justice of Egypt. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Egypt's Al-Hakim Mosque on Sunday. The Prime Minister will pay homage to the 11th Century significant historical and cultural site in Egypt's Cairo. The Al-Hakim Mosque stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage shared by India and Egypt. What adds even greater significance to this visit is the remarkable restoration of the Al-Hakim mosque, made possible through the unwavering dedication and support of the Dawoodi Bohra community. (ANI)

Members of the Indian community in Egypt showered fulsome praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing him as ‘India's hero', as he began his two-day visit here on Saturday. “You are India's hero,” a member of the Indian diaspora told Modi, who responded by saying that efforts by every Indian, including those living overseas, have contributed to the country's success. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met prominent yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel in Cairo on Saturday and encouraged them to visit India. He also appreciated them for their commitment towards yoga, as the two instructors briefed the Prime Minister about yoga's popularity in Egypt. (ANI)

Allam said the meeting with Modi was informative, educational and inspiring.

“Prime Minister Modi is an unbelievable man. Wise, humble, great vision. I found the meeting with him to be informative, educational and inspiring,” Allam said after the meeting. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Egypt's Grand Mufti, Shawky Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, to address crucial matters pertaining to fostering social harmony, countering extremism, and tackling radicalization. During his two-day state visit, PM Modi informed the Grand Mufti about India's plans to establish an IT Centre of Excellence at Egypt's Dar-al-Ifta, under the Ministry of Social Justice.

The leaders emphasized the robust cultural and people-to-people ties between their nations. The discussions focused on promoting social and religious harmony, as well as devising strategies to combat extremism and radicalization.

Since the 1980s, there have been four Prime Ministerial visits from India to Egypt.

Rajiv Gandhi visited the country in 1985, PV Narasimha Rao in 1995, IK Gujral in 1997, and Manmohan Singh in 2009.

From the Egyptian side, President Hosni Mubarak visited India in 1982, 1983 (NAM Summit), and again in 2008.

High-level exchanges with Egypt continued after the Arab Spring uprising in 2011 and then President Mohamed Morsi visited India in March 2013. External Affairs Minister (EAM) visited Cairo in March 2012 and the Egyptian Foreign Minister visited India in December 2013. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly. Watch:

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672631802874458112

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a self-made video, revealed the schedule for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Egypt, during which he will hold a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday.

PM Modi arrives at Cairo hotel to rousing welcome from Indian diaspora. An Egyptian woman sings for the PM. Watch:

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672604192962416641

The Cairo hotel, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is staying during his visit to Egypt, prominently showcases a poem titled “Gandhi” by Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawqi, highlighting Mahatma Gandhi's role in India's struggle for independence.

The exhibition also features photographs capturing Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to India in January. As part of this visit, PM Modi will engage in strategic discussions with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The visit holds great significance due to Egypt's longstanding role as one of India's key trading partners in Africa. The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement, established in March 1978 and governed by the Most Favored Nation clause, serves as a foundation for their trade relations, as stated by the Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

Moreover, India and Egypt enjoy a strong political rapport founded on a rich history of collaboration and mutual understanding. Their engagement spans bilateral, regional, and global matters, showcasing a close relationship between the two nations.

During his two-day June 24 to 25 State visit, he will hold a roundtable meeting with the Egyptian PM and also meet President El-Sisi. Later on, PM Modi will interact with the Indian community.

PM Modi is scheduled to meet the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, today and will also interact with Egyptian thought leaders.

On Sunday, PM Modi will visit Al-Hakim Mosque. The Prime Minister will spend nearly half an hour at the Al-Hakim Mosque– a historic and prominent mosque in Cairo named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (985-1021), the 16th Fatimid caliph.

After his landmark US visit, PM Narendra Modi has landed in Cairo for his 2-day state visit of Egypt. Here, he will hold a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart. he will also meet Egyptian President El-Sisi.

All timings in local time

24 June 2023

1525 hrs – arrival Cairo

1800 hrs – roundtable with Egypt PM

1900 hrs – interactions with Indian Community

2000 hrs – meeting with grand mufti of Egypt

2030 hrs – interaction with Egyptian Thought Leaders

25 June 2023

0930 hrs – Al Hakim Mosque

1030 hrs – visit to Heliopolis War Cemetery

1100 hrs – Programme at the Egyptian Presidency and meeting with Egyptian President

Restricted Meeting

Delegation Level Talks

Signing of MoUs

Press Statements

1400 hrs – press briefing

1500 hrs – Departure for India

Timings are tentative and subjective to change

India's multi-faceted relations with Egypt, which was elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership' this year, will receive further impetus with the first state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to this key Middle East nation, India's ambassador has said. “We are very much looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Cairo from 24th to 25th of June. The visit is a very historic occasion because the last bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister was as far back as 1997,” Ajit Gupte, India's Ambassador to Egypt, to PTI in an interview. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US was not about leveraging India to be a “counterweight” to China but to deepen ties, including defence cooperation, between the largest democracies of the world, a top White House official has said. Prime Minister Modi on Saturday left for Egypt after concluding his state visit during which he held wide-ranging talks with President Joe Biden and addressed the joint session of the US Congress. (PTI)

The two-day State Visit to Egypt by PM Modi is at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is also the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1997.

At the conclusion of discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, India made a momentous decision to invest US$318 million in the construction of a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). This facility will collaborate with existing observatories in the United States, Europe, and Japan, collectively aiming to detect and analyze gravitational waves—ripples in space-time that offer deep insights into the fundamental nature of the universe. ( READ MORE )

P rime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that a new and glorious journey of the India-US ties has begun and the world is watching the two great democracies strengthening their bond to make the world better, as he wrapped up his four-day State Visit to the US. (PTI)

US will open two new consulates in India – Ahmedabad and Bengaluru,

PM Modi has drawn a massive praise from Indian community at Washington after he announces that people of Indian origin will not have to leave the US for getting H-1B visa renewal.

Addressing the Indian community in Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is the mother of democracy and the US is the champion of modern democracy. He added that the world is watching the strengthening of ties of two great democracies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday left for Egypt after concluding his US State Visit during which he held talks with President Joe Biden and addressed the Joint Session of Congress. (PTI)

The two countries have seen convergence on global issues and their growing ties will be a boost for “make in India and make for world” efforts, PM Modi said. He also referred to the agreements on technology transfer, boosting manufacturing and strengthening industrial supply chain.

Prime Minister Modi said the coming together of Indian talent and US's technological advancement guarantees a bright future. He said the business honchos have come from every sector– from agriculture to space — with some of them representing well-established forms while some others leading start-ups. On his part, Biden said their partnership will ensure a free, more secure and prosperous future for our children.

“Our cooperation matters, not just for our people but quite frankly to the whole world, as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be,” Biden said. It is about tackling climate change, about exploring the universe, about lifting people out of poverty, preventing pandemics and giving our citizens real opportunity, the president added. Modi's four-day state visit to the US have been dubbed historic and path-breaking by Indian officials and is being seen as a breakthrough in India's quest to get the US to agree to critical cooperation in cutting-edge technologies including their transfer and joint research. (PTI)

#watch | US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti speaks on PM Modi's visit, "I feel that AI is the future- America and India. We had more things that we got done than any other in the history. This was an exceptional visit. We are now in the deepest and the broadest friendship of… pic.twitter.com/CQX5YxqUqw — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023

Pakistan on Friday criticized the United States and India after President Joe Biden met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House and both leaders called on Pakistan to ensure its territory was not used as a base for militant attacks.

Pakistan's foreign ministry said a joint U.S.-Indian statement was “unwarranted, one-sided, and misleading”. The reference to Islamabad in it was “contrary to diplomatic norms,” it said. The ministry added that it was surprised by the joint statement and said it had “close counterterrorism cooperation” with the United States. Relations between India and Pakistan have been fraught for years. Since independence from Britain in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two of them over the Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. The joint U.S.-Indian statement said: “They (Biden and Modi) strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, the use of terrorist proxies and called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks.” Pakistan's foreign ministry said India was using the allegations of extremism against Islamabad to deflect from the situation in Kashmir and the treatment of minorities in India. (Reuters)

#watch | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai in Washington, DC. pic.twitter.com/PCLnqiYEQ4 — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023

AI is the future, be it Artificial Intelligence or America-India! Our nations are stronger together, our planet is better when we work in collaboration. pic.twitter.com/wTEPJ5mcbo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 23, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (local time) highlighted the accomplishments in the India-US relationship over the past nine years during a luncheon hosted by the US State Department. “In 2014 during my visit to the US, President Biden who was at the US State Dept at the time defined India-US friendship as “A promise over the horizon.” In the last 9 years, we have taken a long and beautiful journey together in areas of defence, emerging technologies & trade. We are progressing as we work in the frameworks of Quad and I2U2. India and US can be seen working together,” said PM Modi. He said that the melodious song of relations between India and America had been threaded with the tunes of people-to-people ties. “Bharat aur America ke sambandhon ki madhur geetmala, people to people ties ke suron se piroyi gayi hai. We get to see examples of these relations at every step,” said PM Modi. (ANI)

#watch | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Boeing CEO David L. Calhoun in Washington, DC. pic.twitter.com/yq2VnAwTgU — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023

#watch | Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for New York City Mayor's Office for International Affairs, says "PM Modi's visit made US and India's ties stronger than before. Several investments have been announced during the visit. Around 120 thousand Indian American doctors are… pic.twitter.com/QiLC55mT2N — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023

“I think it has been a phenomenally successful visit. PM Modi's global leadership has been fully acknowledged…I think this visit in particular, in terms of US-India relationships, has been taken to another level whether it is in critical or emerging technologies or in the area of aircraft engines or multiple areas which are needed to each other. So, I think there is full recognition of India's role in the world, PM's leadership role..,” says Executive Director World Bank for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka Parameswaran Iyer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the coming together of Indian talent and US's technological advancement guarantees a bright future as he met business honchos of the two countries at the White House. “This morning (meeting) is only among a few friends but has brought with it the guarantee of a bright future,” Modi said in his remarks at the India-US Hi-Tech Handshake Event as President Joe Biden nodded. This is a great opportunity to take along President Biden's vision and capabilities and India's aspirations and possibilities, Modi said, thanking the US leader for his presence at the meeting. He referred to the development as “honhaar, shandaar, dhardaar” in Hindi and said it will pave the way for a new future. The meeting came at a time the two countries look to deepen their ties in the high-tech sector. Prime Minister Modi said the coming together of Indian talent and US's technological advancement guarantees a bright future. He said the business honchos have come from every sector– from agriculture to space — with some of them representing well-established forms while some others leading start-ups.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, AMD CEO Lisa Su, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams were among the American representatives who participated in the meeting. Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, Zerodha and True Beacon co-founder Nikhil Kamath and 3rdiTech co-founder Vrinda Kapoor joined the meeting as part of the India business delegation. (PTI)

Lockheed Martin India Vice-President William Blair, says “Prime Minister Modi's visit is truly historic. This visit is going to take our relationship to the next level… We already have two joint ventures with TATA in India for over a decade now. We are engaged in supply chains with hundreds of suppliers and we have already exported nearly $650 million worth of defence products from India to the US”

US President Joe Biden presented a special T-Shirt to PM Narendra Modi with the PM's quote on AI, reports ANI

John Kirby, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications says, “India has to make its own choices about (Russian) oil purchases and we hope that we can continue to see that they purchase Russian oil at or below the price cap, as they have been.”

President Biden made it clear during this visit that there is just simply no partner that is going to be more consequential in helping solve problems than India: John Kirby, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications

#watch | "…This State visit (of PM Narendra Modi) wasn't about China. India has challenges with China as well right on their doorstep. Clearly, the challenges presented by the PRC to both our nations were on the agenda yesterday. But this wasn't about leveraging India to be… pic.twitter.com/2iCYnpM8Uw — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday opened the final day of the Indian prime minister's four-day U.S. visit by meeting top American and Indian executives as the leaders look to increase cooperation on artificial intelligence, semiconductor production and space.The leaders are putting a spotlight on the “Innovation Handshake,” a new initiative aimed at addressing regulatory hurdles that stand in the way of cooperation between the two countries and promoting job growth in emerging technologies.“Our countries are taking innovation and cooperation to new levels,” Biden told the group, which included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. “We’re going to see more technological change … in the next 10 years than we’ve seen in the last 50 years.”White House officials say India's deep talent pool will be crucial in building more resilient supply chains and developing technology to address climate change. All this comes as the administration has sought to put the U.S.-India relationship on a higher plane in the face of an ascendant China in the Indo-Pacific.Modi commended Biden for seeing “the possibility that India represents.”“This is definitely a guarantee for a bright future,” Modi added. (AP)

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Why PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Egypt matters

After the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Cairo from 24 June to 25 June. The trip comes at a time when Egypt has shown interest in joining BRICS and reducing its dependence on the West

The next week is doing to be a busy one for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is heading to the United States on 20 June, where he will be meeting President Joe Biden, holding bilaterals and inking crucial deals. After his first official state visit to the US, the PM will be travelling to Egypt.

Modi will travel to Cairo for a state visit from 24 June to 25 June. “This visit to Egypt will mark Prime Minister Modi’s first official trip to the country,” the Ministry of External Affairs informed on Friday.

The invitation to the visit was extended by Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi , who was India’s chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January 2023.

We take a look at the agenda of the PM’s visit and how India has revived ties with Egypt in the past nine years under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government.

What to expect from PM Modi’s Egypt visit

In Cairo, the Indian leader is expected to hold bilaterals with President Sisi, interact with senior dignitaries from the Egyptian government, engage with prominent Egyptian personalities, and meet the diaspora.

The announcement of the PM’s visit comes soon after Egypt formally applied for membership of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) . The West Asian nation also has plans to ditch the US dollar while trading with BRICS nations, a move that promises greater economic cooperation.

Egypt’s willingness to reduce dependence on the US dollar aligns with the BRICS’ vision to promote alternate currencies in international trade, including its own currency.

As Cairo looks to establish stronger ties with emerging economies, PM Modi’s visit assumes significance. During the upcoming visit, there will be talks on defence cooperation, education, and Egypt’s application to join the BRICS. The country is expected to make rapid economic growth, it has abundant natural resources and strategic control over the Suez Canal, which will make its addition to the bloc valuable, according to a report in Financial Express .

“Increased trade and investment between Egypt and the BRICS countries can contribute to economic development and foster greater cooperation within the group… Furthermore, Egypt’s application to join BRICS may influence the perceptions of other Middle Eastern and African nations toward the group,” the report says.

PM Modi has worked towards building stronger ties with Egypt, even inviting the country as a special guest at the G20 summit during India’s presidency.

Sisi’s invite to Modi is a reciprocation of New Delhi’s decision to have him as chief guest for Republic Day.

What did Modi and Sisi discuss in New Delhi?

In January, India and Egypt elevated the bilateral partnership to the level of a strategic partnership. Modi and Sisi decided that the two countries “‘will develop a long-term framework of greater cooperation in political, security, economic and scientific fields”.

According to India’s foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra, there are broadly four elements to the partnership: political, defence and security; economic engagement; scientific and academic collaboration; and cultural and people-to-people contacts.

The two countries also agreed that “concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism” and that they would together alert the international community.

The decision to invite Sisi was part of India’s ongoing efforts to boost ties with Cairo. The president has visited India three times now since he took charge in June 2014 – for this year’s Republic Day, for the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October 2015 and on a bilateral visit in 2016. He is likely to return in September for the G20 summit.

India wants to become the voice of the “Golbal South”, which includes countries in Asia, Africa and South America and Egypt is an important part of that.

Ahead of Sisi’s January visit, former India ambassador to Egpyt, Navdeep Suri, told DD India that the ties between the two nations have not lived up to their potential in the recent past. But added that India has “picked up the baton” and is trying to give a “fresh momentum” to the relationship with a country, which is “pivotal in its geopolitical location as it straddles Asia and Africa”.

What has changed under PM Modi?

Under PM Modi, the ties between India and Egypt have strengthened. Last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Cairo.

The two countries are exploring opportunities in new and renewable energy, trade and investment, education, tourism and connectivity and have agreed to promote independent thinking in a polarised world. Egypt is keen on establishing a premium institution like an IIT on its soil.

During Singh’s visit, the focus was to expand bilateral defence agreements. Egypt has shown interest in some of the made-in-India technologies like Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the Akash missile system, and DRDO’s Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW).

Amid wheat shortage caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and restrictions on exports of the grain in India last year, the Modi-led government decided to make an exception for Egypt.

Bilateral trade between India and Egypt has expanded rapidly in 2021-22, amounting to $7.26 billion registering a 75 per cent increase compared to 2020-21, according to media reports.

With inputs from agencies

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Prime minister nikol pashinyan's official visit to the arab republic of egypt.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in the Arab Republic of Egypt on a two-day official visit.

Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly met the Prime Minister of Armenia at Cairo International Airport. As part of the official meeting ceremony, the anthems of the two countries were performed, and then the Prime Ministers greeted the members of the delegations.

Prime Minister Pashinyan will have a private conversation with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and then the meeting will continue in an expanded format.

The Prime Minister of Armenia will have meetings with Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly, Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit, leader of Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope of Alexandria, Patriarch of the See of St. Mark Tawadros II, Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb.

Nikol Pashinyan will visit the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, where he will have a meeting with Egyptian businessmen.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who arrived in Egypt on an official visit, met with the country's president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

First, a private conversation between the leaders of the two countries took place, and then the discussions continued in an expanded format.

The President of Egypt welcomed the official visit of Prime Minister Pashinyan and emphasized that it will give a new impetus to the development and expansion of multi-sectoral cooperation between Egypt and Armenia. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the fact of centuries-old close ties between the Armenian and Egyptian peoples, adding that the Armenian community of Egypt has its o unique role in the development of various fields.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception, adding that the Armenian government is interested in expanding and deepening relations with Egypt. The Prime Minister attached importance to the expansion and deepening of trade and economic cooperation and emphasized the need to develop business ties for realizing the existing potential.

The Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Egypt discussed a number of issues related to the implementation of new joint programs in the fields of economy, infrastructure, tourism, aviation, high technologies, agriculture, environment, education, and culture.

The interlocutors also discussed issues related to the processes taking place in the regions of the South Caucasus and the Middle East. The sides emphasized the strengthening of peace and stability and the implementation of consistent steps in that direction.

Prime Minister Pashinyan presented details regarding the ongoing discussions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty to his Egyptian counterpart, touching upon the principled positions of the Armenian side. Reference was also made to the "Crossroads of Peace" project of the Armenian government and its principles.

Nikol Pashinyan also referred to the humanitarian problems of people forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh and the steps taken by the Armenian government to solve them.

After the meeting of Nikol Pashinyan and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in the presence of the leaders of the two countries, the ceremony of signing documents between Armenia and Egypt took place.

In particular, a memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation, which was signed by Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Rafayel Gevorgyan and Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt Rania Al-Mashat.

The 2024-2026 implementation plan on scientific and technical cooperation in the field of agriculture was signed between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt, which was signed by Rafayel Gevorgyan and Egyptian Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation El Sayed El Quseir.

A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of environment protection was signed between the Ministries of Environment of Armenia and Egypt.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, made statements to media representatives after their meeting.

The President of Egypt said in his speech.

"Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Dear attendees and guests,

First of all, I would like to express my joy for hosting the honorable Prime Minister of the friendly Republic of Armenia and his delegation, which confirms the interest and determination of both sides for the development and strengthening of cooperation. That cooperation will serve the interests of both peoples, also relying on the long-standing historical relations that bind the two countries.

Thousands of Armenians lived in Egypt and contributed to the development of Egyptian society in various spheres: politics, economy, culture, art.

I am happy to note that our today's negotiations confirmed the willingness of both countries to increase the volume of trade, as well as to strengthen the investment component between the two sides, which will correspond to the level of political relations between the two countries. Cooperation can develop in new areas as well, in particular, information technologies, artificial intelligence, food and pharmaceutical industry. Also, during today's discussions, we confirmed the willingness to exchange Egypt’s experience in the fields of infrastructure, construction, transport and electricity production. Also, we will benefit from the Armenian experience, specifically from those Armenian companies that stand out in the field of artificial intelligence.

During the discussions, the sessions of bilateral commissions for economic and technical cooperation were particularly emphasized.

Dear Sirs and Guests,

I have presented to the Honorable Prime Minister the efforts that Egypt is making to achieve a cease-fire in the occupied Gaza Strip, as well as in the West Bank, which will allow for the establishment of an autonomous Palestinian Republic, based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It is necessary to establish peace in the region instead of war and destruction. Also, during these negotiations, we confirmed Egypt's support for any initiatives that seek to establish peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. We express our full support to the dialogue and negotiation process that will establish a comprehensive, just peace. This will create a new phase of growth and development that will serve the interests of the peoples of the region.

In conclusion, I would like to once again welcome the visit of the Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia to Egypt. I express my hope that this visit will be a very important step for strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries in all fields, which will enrich the relations and historical ties that unite the peoples of the two countries. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister."

In his turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted.

"Your Excellency, Honorable President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi,

Dear attendees, Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Honorable President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, for the invitation to pay an official visit to Egypt, as well as for the warm hospitality shown to me and the delegation led by me. Egypt is one of Armenia's key partners in the Middle East, and I appreciate this opportunity to meet. The frequency of contacts between the top political leaders of our countries, the mutually beneficial multi-sector cooperation are not only the evidence of warm relations between our countries, but also testify to a joint vision for the future.

Due to the tensions and unfolding processes in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, during the meeting with President el-Sisi, we touched on security, political and regional issues, as well as the efforts of Armenia and Egypt aimed at establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, respectively. Emphasizing the support of international partners for establishing peace in the South Caucasus, I expressed to President el-Sisi Armenia's high appreciation for the balanced and constructive position adopted by Egypt in this matter.

I presented my colleague with the latest developments in the negotiations with Azerbaijan, reaffirming the readiness of the Armenian government to normalize relations based on the recognition of the territorial integrity of the two countries and the implementation of the border demarcation process in accordance with the 1991 Declaration of Alma-Ata. For the stability of the South Caucasus and the wider region, the unblocking of regional infrastructures is also of key importance, based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of states, reciprocity and equality. In this regard, we developed and presented the "Crossroads of Peace" project, the implementation of which can completely change the situation in the region and establish mutually beneficial cooperation, connecting the East to the West and the North to the South.

Mr. President,

Armenia expresses regret for tens of thousands of innocent victims as a result of escalation of military operations in Gaza. We have also experienced the horror of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and we join the calls of the international community for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In this regard, we highly praise the steps taken by Egypt to ensure uninterrupted access of humanitarian aid to Gaza, to receive wounded Palestinians and to evacuate foreigners. We also discussed and need the support and advice of our Egyptian partners regarding our delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and I express gratitude to President el-Sisi for his willingness to help in this matter. Our foreign ministers will deal with this issue. As for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Armenia has always supported the "two states" principle adopted by the international community.

I would like to note with satisfaction that today Armenia and Egypt are effectively cooperating in the fields of politics, economy, science, high technologies, education, culture, tourism and other fields. Effective cooperation has also been formed in a number of multilateral platforms. Egypt is also a reliable partner for us in our relations and dialogue with the Islamic world.

I cannot fail to mention that the Egyptian-Armenian community has a special role in the relations between Armenia and Egypt, which for centuries has contributed both to the development of Egypt and to the strengthening of ties between our countries. In this regard, I must express special thanks for the care that our compatriots living in Egypt have always enjoyed and continue to enjoy at the state level.

Honorable Mr. President,

Following your visit to Armenia, the increase in the interest of Egyptian investors towards Armenia has become noticeable. managers and representatives of famous Egyptian companies visited our country in order to get acquainted with investment opportunities on the spot. I hope that during the meeting with Egyptian businessmen within the framework of this visit, we will give an additional impetus to economic relations.

At present, practical steps are being taken in the direction of the development of trade and economic relations. In the current year, it is planned to hold the regular session of the intergovernmental joint commission between the Republic of Armenia and the Arab Republic of Egypt, which will also include a business forum. During the year, it is expected to hold two more sector-specific business conferences. The Armenian government will encourage Armenian businessmen to participate in the mentioned conferences to be held in Cairo.

Tourism is developing dynamically in bilateral relations. Egypt has been one of the preferred vacation destinations for our citizens for years, and the number of our tourists is growing significantly every year.

Dear President el-Sisi,

Summarizing my speech, I would like to emphasize again the importance of high-level mutual visits in the last two years and wish our states strong relations and new achievements in joint work for the welfare of our peoples. Thank you once again for your warm reception. Thank you".

In Cairo, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The latter emphasized cooperation with the Armenian government on various international issues, including for the purpose of presenting positions and views. Ahmed Aboul Gheit mentioned the centuries-old close ties between the Armenian and Arab peoples, which is a good basis for the development of cooperation.

In his speech, the Prime Minister referred to the processes taking place in the South Caucasus region, the discussions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty, and the humanitarian problems of people forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh. Nikol Pashinyan presented details about the "Crossroads of Peace" project developed by the Armenian government and added that based on the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, reciprocity and equality, Armenia is ready to unblock regional transport communications.

The interlocutors also discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The sides attached importance to the implementation of consistent steps towards the establishment of peace and stability.

As part of his official visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassia, where he had a meeting with the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and All Africa.

The latter welcomed the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to the Patriarchate and emphasized the important role of the Armenian community in the social and political life of Egypt. Tawadros II emphasized the close ties and cooperation between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception and added that the visit of Tawadros II to Armenia is fondly remembered in our country.

At the meeting, the results of the meeting between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Egypt, the issues related to the further strengthening of the ties between the two countries were touched upon.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, where he held a meeting with local businessmen.

The President of the Federation, Ahmad el-Wakil welcomed the visit of the Armenian Prime Minister and emphasized the importance of developing and expanding trade and economic relations between the two countries. He emphasized that the Egyptian side is interested in discussing the possibilities of implementing investment programs and deepening cooperation.

Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Rafayel Gevorgyan and Director General of the Investment Support Center Levon Ohanesyan referred to the rate of economic development of Armenia, the progress recorded in various fields in recent years, the steps and reforms towards the implementation of investments and improvement of the business environment in our country.

The Minister of Trade and Industry of Egypt, Ahmed Samir, also made a speech and emphasized the importance of realizing the great potential of the development of economic cooperation between Armenia and Egypt.

In his speech, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the number one economic characteristic of Armenia is high economic growth. "Both in 2019, 2022, and 2023, we are among the top ten countries in the world in terms of economic growth. And this despite, unfortunately, the instability and challenges in our region and globally in general. My assessment is that economic growth is ensured thank to the following approach and slogan of the Government, when addressing the people, we give them the following message: "get rich and make rich".

According to the Prime Minister, over the past 6 years, the tax revenues of the state budget of Armenia have increased by about 92 percent, that is, it has almost doubled. Nikol Pashinyan expressed hope that the tax revenues of the state budget will more than double with the results of this year.

"The state capital programs and the public investment sector in general may be an area of interest for investors. The government of Armenia is now making approximately $1 billion of capital investments in various sectors, which is a very large and high figure for Armenia, which has more than doubled over the past six years.

We also have programs through which we will support potential investors, including those participating in the purchase. We have an economic modernization program where, for example, construction companies can purchase high-quality construction equipment, vehicles and production equipment with government subsidies.

Armenia has great tourist potential, including for tourists from the Middle East. The first is winter tourism, which is very interesting for the countries of the Middle East. In our country, there are now several big investment projects for skiing and winter resorts. And that sector has targeted, made a goal to attract tourists from the eastern market to the Republic of Armenia.

There is also great potential in the field of winemaking, we have great potential in the field of production and export of alcoholic beverages in general.

Next is the direction of construction in the private sector, which has been one of the sectors providing high growth in our economy in recent years. As of today, 55,000 apartments are under construction in the Republic of Armenia. Real estate investments can be an interesting direction, including linking it to tourism.

The next direction is the technology sector. There is quite a lot of activity in the field of information technologies in Armenia and it is one of the main branches of the economy.

I cannot fail to mention the next most important branch of our economy, which shows impressive development in recent years. I am talking about the financial sector. The banking system in the Republic of Armenia shows significant growth and it has shown its reliability during both the coronavirus and 2020 war.

Of course, we want to ensure that the businessmen face no obstacles while doing business, and consistent reforms are aimed at this," the Prime Minister noted.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, while building the "Academic City", the Government will also provide an opportunity to the private sector to invest. "The construction of a new national stadium is also planned in that area. In order to make long-term investments in the agricultural sector, we plan to build 15 medium-sized reservoirs.

Making large investments is our policy in the field of education and science, and our goal is to make the Republic of Armenia a country with a high-tech economy and production, the main motto of which is knowledge, knowledge-based economy, knowledge-based management. And this knowledge-based management should create a field where investors can invest with confidence, where investors can be sure that through their legal and fair work they can get rich and enrich the Republic of Armenia," said Prime Minister Pashinyan.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt continues. Prime Minister Pashinyan met with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in the New Administrative Capital.

The latter welcomed the Prime Minister's visit to the New Administrative Capital that is being bewly constructed and emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation between Armenia and Egypt. Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the centuries-old deep historical relations between the two countries and added that the Armenian community of Egypt lives consolidated with the Egyptian society without any problems. Mr. Madbouly noted the effective meetings of the Armenian Prime Minister with the President of the country and representatives of business circles aimed at strengthening and promoting economic ties. At the same time, Mostafa Madbouly thanked the Armenian government for contributing to the development of Egypt-EAEU cooperation.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception and added that he had productive discussions with the Egyptian President. Nikol Pashinyan expressed hope that economic cooperation will deepen along with excellent bilateral political relations as a result of his official visit. In this regard, the Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of the meeting with the businessmen. At the same time, it was emphasized that the session of the Armenia-Egypt intergovernmental cooperation commission and the parallel business forum will be held in the near future, during which various investment proposals will be presented. Prime Minister Pashinyan also highlighted Egypt's support in logistical issues for sending humanitarian aid from Armenia to Gaza.

At the meeting, the interlocutors discussed issues related to the expansion of trade turnover, the possibilities of implementation of investment programs. Mostafa Madbouly thanked the Armenian side for naming one of Yerevan's squares after Egypt and added that the Egyptian side will name one of the capital's squares after Armenia.

The sides exchanged ideas on issues related to the construction process of the New Administrative Capital in Egypt, as well as the Academic City in Armenia.

An agreement was reached to hold a meeting of the Armenia-Egypt intergovernmental commission and a business forum in the coming months.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

The Prime Minister emphasized the existing religious tolerance in Egypt and emphasized the fact of warm attitude towards the local Armenian community. Nikol Pashinyan noted with regret that sometimes an attempt is made to use religion for political goals, adding that one of the reasons for this is that people sometimes do not have such good ideas about religions. In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of governments. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the long history of the Armenian people's interaction with Islam and the fact that thousands of Armenians found refuge in Islamic countries.

Nikol Pashinyan presented to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar the copy of the first surah of the Quran from 1719 kept in the Matenadaran.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, thanked for the valuable gift and emphasized the importance of strengthening tolerance and peace also through religions. Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb expressed willingness to organize an exhibition of Arabic manuscripts kept in Matenadaran, adding that similar events also contribute to the establishment and strengthening of peaceful coexistence between societies.

The interlocutors expressed confidence that the Armenian Prime Minister's visit will contribute to the strengthening and progress of Armenia-Egypt ties, including in the fields of religious education and culture.

The delegation led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church in Cairo.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Egypt, His Grace Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan and the leader of the Armenian Catholic Church in Egypt Krikor Augustinos Kousa. The Prime Minister lit a candle and laid flowers at the cross-stone commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Next, the Prime Minister had a short meeting with a group of representatives of the Armenian community in Egypt in the primacy, answered various questions of their interest. The Prime Minister referred to the results of the meetings with the top leadership of Egypt, the "Crossroads of Peace" project of the Armenian government, Armenia-Diaspora relations and other topics.

At the end of his official visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by the executive director of the museum, Professor Ahmed Farouk Ghoneim, toured the museum, familiarized himself with the presented exhibits and made a note in the book of honored guests of the museum.

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Modi Egypt visit Highlights: JP Nadda, BJP MPs from Delhi to receive PM at the airport on his return from State

PM Modi in Egypt: Sunday is the second and final day of prime minister Narendra Modi's maiden State visit to Egypt, where he arrived following his successful trip to the United States, which, too, hosted him for his first State visit to their country. Upon landing in Cairo, the African nation's Capital, PM Modi was received at the airport by his counterpart, Mostafa Madbouly. ...Read More

The prime minister's itinerary for day 2, meanwhile, includes visits to the Al-Haqim Mosque, Heliopolis War Grave cemetery, and other engagements.

Egyptian woman's ‘yeh dosti’ song impresses PM Modi in Cairo: Watch

Not just PM Modi, these foreign leaders too honoured with Egypt's 'Order of the Nile'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Egypt's highest state honour and his 13th international award on Sunday. The ‘Order of the Nile’ was conferred upon Modi by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during his state visit to the African country, the first by an Indian PM since 1997.

Here’s a list of some foreign leaders honoured with ‘Order of the Nile’

PM Modi says two-day State visit to Egypt a ‘historic one’.

PM Modi says two-day State visit to Egypt a ‘historic one’. Read More

Egypt and India bolster ties as Modi makes first trip to Cairo

Egypt and India discussed strengthening ties in areas including trade, food security and defence during a state visit to Cairo by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries said on Sunday.

On his first trip to Egypt, Modi met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Egyptian ministers appointed to an "India unit" after a state visit by Sisi to India in January during which a "strategic partnership" was announced.

BJP national President JP Nadda, MPs of the party from Delhi to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport as he returns from Egypt

BJP national President JP Nadda, MPs of the party from Delhi and Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport as he returns to the country after concluding his State Visits to the US and Egypt.

PM Modi thanks Egyptian President after short visit to State

“My visit to Egypt was a historic one. It will add renewed vigour to India-Egypt relations and will benefit the people of our nations. I thank President @AlsisiOfficial, the Government and the people of Egypt for their affection,” tweets Prime Minister Modi after visit to Egypt.

PM Modi thanks the govt, people of Egypt after accepting the ‘Order of the Nile’

"It is with great humility that I accept the 'Order of the Nile.’ I thank the Government and people of Egypt for this honour. It indicates the warmth and affection they have towards India and the people of our nation," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his visit to Egypt, departs for New Delhi

PM Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Egypt on Sunday. The PM was on a two-day visit to the State after concluding his maiden State visit to the US.

Prime Minister extended an invitation to the (Egypt) President for the G20 Summit which is upcoming in September 2023: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

"Prime Minister also extended an invitation to the (Egypt) President for the G20 Summit which is upcoming in September 2023," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Modi's Egypt visit.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on PM's Egypt visit

"PM Narendra Modi is on a State visit to Egypt at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This is the PM's first visit to Egypt. He arrived yesterday afternoon and was warmly received by the PM of Egypt at the airport and was also accorded a ceremonial welcome yesterday, including the Guard of Honour at the airport," said Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra speaking about PM Modi's visit to Egypt.

Leaders signed a declaration that elevated Egyptian-Indo ties to 'strategic partnership': Egyptian presidency on MoUs

A statement from the Egyptian presidency said the leaders signed a declaration that elevated Egyptian-Indo ties to a “strategic partnership.” The statement, however, offered only generalities about bilateral ties and international topics.

PM visits the Great Pyramid of Giza in Cairo

PM Modi visted the Great Pyramids of Giza in Cairo on Sunday. Built in the early 26th century B.C., over a period of about 27 years, the pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only wonder that has remained largely intact.

Heliopolis War Cemetery in Egypt houses 1,700 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the Heliopolis Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cairo. The Cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

It commemorates nearly 4,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting in Egypt and Palestine in the First World War and also houses 1,700 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War as well as several war graves of other nationalities, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.

Located at the south end of the Suez Canal, the original Port Tewfik memorial was unveiled in 1926.

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweets on PM Modi's visit to Egypt

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Sunday tweeted about PM Modi's visit to Egypt. He said, "PM Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on 25th June. The leaders discussed ways to further deepen the two countries' partnership, including trade & investment, defence & security, renewable energy, cultural and people-to-people ties. An agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" was signed by the leaders. Three MoUs in the fields of Agriculture, Archaeology & Antiquities and Competition Law were also signed."

'We felt like family when PM Modi interacted,' says member of Indian-diaspora Shujauddin Shabbir in Cairo

Shujauddin Shabbir Tambawala, one of the members of the Indian diaspora, who was also present at Al-Hakim Mosque, shared his excitement and said that he felt like family when he interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Egypt for a two-day visit.

Shujauddin Shabbir Tambawala mentioned, "Today is a very historic day because Prime Minister Narendra Modi came here to the Al-Hakim Mosque".

'You are India's hero,': Indian community members in Egypt tell PM Modi

Modi, who arrived in Egypt on Saturday after concluding a high-profile state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden, was given a rousing welcome at the Ritz Carlton hotel, where he interacted with the Indian diaspora in separate groups.

What is the ‘Order of the Nile’ award conferred upon PM Modi?

The 'Order of the Nile' is a pure gold collar consisting of three-square gold units comprising Pharaonic symbols. It is conferred upon heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents who offer Egypt or humanity invaluable services.

'Order of the Nile' is 13th international award conferred upon PM Modi

In the past nine years of tenure, PM Modi received many international awards. This is the 13th such highest state honour that various countries across the world have conferred upon PM Modi.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi confers PM Narendra Modi with 'Order of the Nile' award, in Cairo

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conferred PM Narendra Modi with 'Order of the Nile' award, in Cairo

'Order of the Nile', is Egypt's highest state honour.

PM Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sign an MoU, in Cairo

PM Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed an MoU, in Cairo on Sunday.

PM meets Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo as a part of his two-day State visit to the Mediterranean nation, ANI reported.

Pics: PM Modi at Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo

Pm modi visits heliopolis war cemetery in cairo.

After paying visit to Al-Hakim Mosque, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited Heliopolis War Cemetery in Egypt's Cairo and paid tribute to Indian soldiers who made supreme sacrifices during the First World War.

Pic: PM Modi inside historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo

PM Modi at Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo on Saturday. (ANI)

This historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo is a 1,000-century-old and has a special significance as it was restored with the help of India's Dawoodi Bohra community.

PM visits 10-century-old Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo

PM Modi visits Cairo's historic Al-Haqim Mosque.

PM Modi to pay tribute to pay visit to Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo

PM Modi will on Sunday pay visit to Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo and will pay tributes ot Indian soldiers who sacrificed lives for Egypt during World War I. "It is a memorial for 3,799 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in various battles in Egypt during the First World War. So it is a very moving moment when the PM will visit and acknowledge the sacrifices made by Indians for international peace," Ajit Gupte, India's Ambassador to Egypt was quoted as saying by PTI.

Modi in Egypt Day 1: PM discusses energy security, economy with Egyptian CEO, oil strategist

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with an Egyptian CEO and oil strategist on the first day of his two-day visit to Egypt.

Modi met Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, and Egyptian author and petroleum strategist Tarek Heggy in Cairo.

PM Modi to visit 1,000-year-old Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the 1,000-year-old 11th Century Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo on Sunday during his State visit to Egypt. The Mosque has a special significance as it has been restored with the help of India's Dawoodi Bohra community.

Modi in Egypt Day 1: PM meets Grand Mufti of Egypt

PM Modi with Grand Mufti of Egypt in Cairo on Saturday. (Twitter/@narendramodi)

“I was honored to meet the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Shawky Ibrahim Allam. We had rich discussions on the relations between India and Egypt, especially the cultural and people-to-people ties,” Modi's tweet read.

Modi's meeting with Yoga instructors from Egypt

PM Modi meets Yoga instructors from Egypt on Saturday in Cairo. (Twitter/@narendramodi)

Prominent Yoga practitioners and instructors from Egypt, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Cairo on Saturday, first day of State visit to the Middle East nation.

“Nada Adel and Reem Jabak are making commendable efforts to make Yoga popular across Egypt. Had a wonderful conversation with them in Cairo,” Modi wrote sharing the photo.

Modi in Egypt: ‘Visit to usher in a new era,’ says Indian envoy

Ajit Gupte, India's envoy to Egypt, terms Modi's visit a ‘historic occasion.’ Read more

Modi in Egypt: PM's departure scheduled for today

After completing all his engagements, Modi will leave for New Delhi today itself. He left for his 2-nation tour on Tuesday morning.

Modi in Egypt: What is the significance of Al-Haqim Mosque?

The 1000-year-old shrine is the fourth-largest in the African nation, and was restored with the help of India's Dawoodi Bohra community. Read here

Modi in Egypt: PM's full schedule for day 2

He will begin the day by visiting Cairo's historic Al-Haqim Mosque, and conclude it at the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery. Read here

Modi in Egypt: Meet with Egyptian President today

The PM will also meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah-el Sisi, who, in January, became the first Egyptian leader to be the chief guest at India's annual Republic Day celebrations.

Modi in Egypt: PM to visit Al-Haqim Mosque, Heliopolis cemetery

On Sunday, the second and final day of his maiden State visit to Egypt, PM Modi will spend 30 minutes at the Al-Haqim Mosque, visit the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery, and participate in other engagements.

Narendra Modi

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Egypt aims to attract 60 million tourists annually: Prime Minister

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that his government aims for the tourism sector to attract 60 million tourists annually.

During a Saturday press conference at his inspection tour in Beni Suef Governorate , Madbouly said: “We are working to attract all international brands to open factories in Egypt to be a center for all of these brands.”

He explained that he inspected a number of factories such as for Toshiba Elaraby washing machines, a Samsung factory, a pharmaceutical factory, and another for clothing.

The pharmaceutical factory was suffering from shortage in raw materials following the economic crisis, the Prime Minister said, and is now setting its plan for expansion following the economy’s recovery.

Madbouly said that there must be a plan to support Egyptian exports, and the local component in industries must exceed 40 percent in each factory in order to benefit from the greatest possible support.

Egyptian actress Salma Abu-Deif honored in Women in Cinema at Cannes

Royal Jewelry Museum displays golden chessboard of King Farouk I

Egypt’s General Healthcare Authority, JICA sign cooperation protocol

Emigration min.: New republic Represents Golden Era of Egyptian Women

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Iran's President, Foreign Minister and Others Found Dead at Helicopter Crash Site

rescue team members work at the scene of a crash of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi , the country’s foreign minister and several other officials were found dead on Monday, hours after their helicopter crashed in a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest, state media reported.

The crash comes as the Middle East remains unsettled by the Israel-Hamas war , during which Raisi, who was 63, under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched an unprecedented drone-and-missile attack on Israel just last month.

Khamenei announced Monday that Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, would serve as the country’s acting president until elections are held.

During Raisi's term in office, Iran enriched uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels, further escalating tensions with the West as Tehran also supplied bomb-carrying drones to Russia for its war in Ukraine and armed militia groups across the region.

Meanwhile, Iran has faced years of mass protests against its Shiite theocracy over the ailing economy and women’s rights — making the moment that much more sensitive for Tehran and the future of the country.

Among the dead was Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian , 60. The helicopter also carried the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, a senior cleric from Tabriz, three crew members and a Revolutionary Guard official, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. IRNA said the crash killed eight people in all, including three crew members, aboard the Bell helicopter, which Iran purchased in the early 2000s.

Aircraft in Iran face a shortage of parts, often flying without safety checks against the backdrop of Western sanctions. Because of that, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif sought to blame the United States for the crash in an interview Monday..

“One of the main culprits of yesterday’s tragedy is the United States, which ... embargoed the sale of aircraft and aviation parts to Iran and does not allow the people of Iran to enjoy good aviation facilities," Zarif said. "These will be recorded in the list of US crimes against the Iranian people.”

State TV gave no immediate cause for the crash that occurred in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province .

The U.S. has yet to comment publicly on Raisi's death. Ali Bagheri Kani, a nuclear negotiator for Iran, will serve as the country's acting foreign minister, state TV said.

Early Monday morning, Turkish authorities released what they described as drone footage showing what appeared to be a fire in the wilderness that they “suspected to be wreckage of helicopter.” The coordinates listed in the footage put the fire some 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the Azerbaijan-Iranian border on the side of a steep mountain.

Footage released by IRNA early Monday showed what the agency described as the crash site, across a steep valley in a green mountain range. Soldiers speaking in the local Azeri language said: “There it is, we found it.”

Condolences started pouring in from neighbors and allies after Iran confirmed there were no survivors from the crash. Pakistan announced a day of mourning and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X that his country "stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.” Leaders of Egypt and Jordan also offered condolences, as did Syrian President Bashar Assad. Lebanon and Syria both declared three days of mourning.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said he and his government were “deeply shocked" — Raisi was returning on Sunday after traveling to Iran’s border with Azerbaijan to inaugurate a dam with Aliyev when the crash happened.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and China's Xi Jinping conveyed their condolences. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement released by the Kremlin, described Raisi “as a true friend of Russia.”

Khamenei, who had himself urged the public to pray Sunday night, stressed the business of Iran’s government would continue no matter what.

Under the Iranian constitution, Iran’s vice first president takes over if the president dies, with Khamenei’s assent, and a new presidential election would be called within 50 days. Khamenei's condolence message Monday over Raisi's death, declared five days of public mourning and acknowledged Mokhber had taken the role of acting president.

Mokhber had already begun receiving calls from officials and foreign governments in Raisi’s absence, state media reported.

An emergency meeting of Iran's Cabinet was held as state media made the announcement Monday morning. The Cabinet issued a statement afterward pledging it would follow Raisi's path and that “with the help of God and the people, there will be no problem with management of the country.”

A hard-liner who formerly led the country’s judiciary , Raisi was viewed as a protégé of Khamenei and some analysts had suggested he could replace the 85-year-old leader after Khamenei’s death or resignation.

With Raisi's death, the only other person so far suggested has been Mojtaba Khameini, the 55-year-old son to the supreme leader. However, some have raised concerns over the position being taken only for the third time since 1979 to a family member, particularly after the Islamic Revolution overthrew the hereditary Pahlavi monarchy of the shah.

Raisi won Iran’s 2021 presidential election, a vote that saw the lowest turnout in the Islamic Republic’s history. Raisi is sanctioned by the U.S. in part over his involvement in the mass execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988 at the end of the bloody Iran-Iraq war.

Under Raisi, Iran now enriches uranium at nearly weapons-grade levels and hampers international inspections. Iran has armed Russia in its war on Ukraine, as well as launched a massive drone-and-missile attack on Israel amid its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It also has continued arming proxy groups in the Mideast, like Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, mass protests in the country have raged for years. The most recent involved the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who had been earlier detained over allegedly not wearing a hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities. The monthslong security crackdown that followed the demonstrations killed more than 500 people and saw over 22,000 detained.

In March, a United Nations investigative panel found that Iran was responsible for the “physical violence” that led to Amini’s death.

Raisi is the second Iranian president to die in office. In 1981, a bomb blast killed President Mohammad Ali Rajai in the chaotic days after the country's Islamic Revolution.

Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

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Saudi crown prince cancels Japan trip over King Salman's health concerns

SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT - FEBRUARY 24: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia during talks with UK Prime Minister Theresa May while they attend the first Arab-European Summit on February 24, 2019 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Leaders from European and Arab nations are meeting for the two-day summit to discuss topics including security, trade and migration. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has canceled a four-day planned trip to Japan that was scheduled for this week amid concerns about the health of his father, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Japan’s top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said late Sunday.

The visit, which was due to begin Monday, would have been the crown prince’s first to the Asian country since 2019. Crown Prince Mohammed was due to meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the country's emperor as well as representatives of several Japanese companies and sign deals to bolster supply chains for liquid hydrogen, Japanese news outlets reported.

The Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday that the crown prince’s 88-year-old father was suffering from lung inflammation and will be receiving antibiotics at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. Last month, King Salman was admitted to King Faisal Specialist hospital in Jeddah for "a routine check up" visit, Saudi state media said.

King Salman has ruled Saudi Arabia since 2015 after King Abdullah died in 2015. Two years later, the king removed Mohammed bin Nayef as crown prince and replaced him with his son.

The 38-year-old crown prince is seen as de facto king and handles most of the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom and is next in line for the throne. Crown Prince Mohammed was also due to visit Japan in late 2022, but that was canceled just before he was due to arrive.

"The visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Crown Prince Mohammed to Japan will be re-coordinated between the two countries," Hayashi told reporters late Sunday. Saudi sources told AFP that despite the de facto leader's absence, a Saudi delegation would still travel to Japan for some talks.

On Monday, the two countries’ foreign ministers spoke for 15 minutes on the phone. According to a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa expressed her sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of the king and said that she wanted to work closely with Riyadh as the world faces multiple crises, including in Gaza and Ukraine. The ministry said the two ministers conveyed that they would like to rearrange the trip as soon as possible.

Japan and Saudi Arabia have been deepening their ties over recent years. As Japan is the fourth largest economy in the world, its help has been crucial for Saudi Arabia to realize its Vision 2030, the crown prince’s plan to diversify the kingdom’s economy from reliance on oil by investing heavily in other sectors including entertainment, tourism and renewable energy.

On the other side, Riyadh is Tokyo’s largest supplier of crude oil at around $34.3 billion annually and a major supplier of petrochemicals.

Saudi Arabia became Japan’s eighth largest trading partner in 2023 with bilateral trade reaching $42 billion, according to International Monetary Fund data.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Crown Prince Mohammed met with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan in the eastern city of Dharhran to discuss finding a solution to the war in Gaza, SPA reported.

The Israel-Hamas War: Live Q&A with Amb. David Satterfield (Part 2)

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Middle East Crisis Israeli Officials Challenge Netanyahu, Laying Bare Government Divisions

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People gather around a crater in brown earth.

Netanyahu may face little risk from a rival’s political ultimatum, analysts say.

With his emergency war cabinet on the brink of disintegrating over what opponents view as his dithering prosecution of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been challenged to make some stark choices by his two main partners in running the military campaign.

Mr. Netanyahu’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, from his own conservative Likud party, and Benny Gantz, a centrist former military chief and Netanyahu rival who joined the government soon after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack that prompted the war, have demanded that the Israeli leader come up with a decisive strategy. While their demands laid bare the divisions in Mr. Netanyahu’s wartime government, analysts said they were unlikely to bring about major change.

Both Mr. Gallant and Mr. Gantz have implicitly accused the Israeli leader in recent days of putting his political survival ahead of national security. They are demanding that Mr. Netanyahu choose between an endgame that would leave postwar Gaza under Israeli military control, as his far-right coalition partners want, or, as they suggest, have some kind of Palestinian alternative to Hamas take over with international support.

More broadly, they have called on him to stop appeasing his hard-line political allies at the expense of any semblance of national consensus, even as he continues to send Israeli soldiers into battle.

Mr. Gantz set an ultimatum , saying on Saturday that his National Unity party would quit the government by June 8 should Mr. Netanyahu choose “the path of the zealots” and fail to pave a strategic path forward.

But his party’s exit alone would not loosen Mr. Netanyahu’s hold on power: The far-right and religiously ultraconservative coalition he formed after the November 2022 election would still command a majority of 64 seats in the 120-seat Parliament. Still, it would leave Mr. Netanyahu in a more precarious position, reliant on his hard-line partners and with less domestic and international legitimacy.

“Gantz’s problem is that he can’t alone produce a war and postwar strategy, pressure Netanyahu to come up with one or create enough pressure to bring down the current Israeli government,” said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The demands presented by Mr. Gantz and Mr. Gallant come as pressure is growing in Israel for clear government decisions that will bring home the 128 hostages remaining in Gaza, of whom an unknown number are already dead, and also dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and ability to lead in Gaza.

Those goals may be mutually exclusive, analysts say, since Hamas is demanding an Israeli commitment to end the war as a condition for any hostage deal.

Some critics saw Mr. Gantz’s move as too hesitant, calling into question his credentials as an electable alternative to Mr. Netanyahu.

“A three-week ultimatum? That’s ridiculous!” said Mitchell Barak, an Israeli pollster and analyst who worked as an aide to Mr. Netanyahu in the 1990s.

Between now and June 8, Mr. Barak said, any number of things could happen in Israeli politics, in Gaza and elsewhere. “It makes him look not serious,” he added.

Mr. Gantz left the parliamentary opposition in October out of a sense of national responsibility, he said at the time, and joined the war cabinet as one of its three principal members, along with Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant.

Mr. Gallant has demanded that Mr. Netanyahu engage in a serious discussion about who, or what, should replace Hamas in a postwar Gaza. He challenged the prime minister to state clearly whether or not he supports his far-right partners’ agenda of Israeli military rule in the enclave and said last week that he had tried to advance a plan for a “non-hostile Palestinian governing alternative” to Hamas, without elaborating.

Some analysts also said that Mr. Gantz’s demands were largely amorphous and that his own suggestions lacked clarity.

Mr. Gantz called for the hostages to be brought home, for Hamas control to end and for the Gaza Strip to be disarmed — without saying how to achieve those goals.

Even as he called for a day-after strategy for Gaza, Mr. Gantz went along with Mr. Netanyahu in saying that the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, should not take over Gaza — flouting the position of the United States, Israel’s most important international ally.

Instead, Mr. Gantz called more vaguely for a U.S.-European-Arab-Palestinian administration that would run civilian affairs in Gaza and “lay the foundations for a future alternative that is neither Hamas nor Abbas.”

— Isabel Kershner reporting from Jerusalem

The U.S. national security adviser met with Netanyahu.

The U.S. national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday as the United States and other countries push Israel to limit its incursion into Rafah, where Israel had initially encouraged Palestinians to seek safety.

The United States has repeatedly called on Israel not to launch a full-scale invasion of Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza. Although Israel has labeled its current operation “limited,” about 800,000 people have fled after evacuation orders, while satellite imagery shows widening destruction .

The prime minister’s office said after the meeting that the two men had discussed the fighting in Gaza, with an emphasis on Rafah, humanitarian aid and efforts to return the hostages held in Gaza.

Mr. Sullivan was expected to stress the need for a targeted approach to fighting Hamas in Gaza and to emphasize American opposition to a full-scale attack on Rafah. Earlier this month, President Biden said in an interview with CNN that the United States would not supply weapons for a major Israeli offensive in Rafah. In a hearing in the Senate in May, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers that the United States had paused a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, citing concern about a sweeping invasion of the city.

The Israeli military said its forces were pressing on in the eastern outskirts of Rafah on Saturday, and aid officials in the western part of the city said they heard strikes and artillery fire. Hamas said its fighters had fired on Israeli troops in eastern Rafah and close to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Last week, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken warned that recent gains in getting desperately needed humanitarian aid to people in the Gaza Strip risked being undone by the fighting in southern Gaza, and he called for a “clear concrete plan” for postwar governance in Gaza.

At the same time, talks for a cease-fire to release at least some Israeli hostages appear to be stalled. The prime minister of Qatar, which has been acting as an intermediary between Israel and Hamas, said last week that negotiations were at “almost a stalemate” and had been set back by Israel’s military offensive in Rafah.

Mr. Sullivan’s trip to Israel followed meetings in Saudi Arabia, a visit that was scheduled to happen last month but was delayed after he cracked a rib. In the interim, tensions between the United States and Israel over the Rafah invasion and Israel’s conduct of the war have escalated.

Mr. Sullivan visited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday to discuss a possible Middle East peace deal that would normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel and create a Palestinian state. The deal would also involve a U.S.-Saudi mutual defense pact and cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom .

During their meeting, Prince Mohammed and Mr. Sullivan reviewed a “nearly-final draft” of strategic agreements between the two countries, which are “almost finished,” according to a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency. It said the two governments continued to work on a “credible pathway” toward creating a Palestinian state that will “satisfy the aspirations and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”

But Mr. Netanyahu has been resistant to the deal, pushing back on talks of a Palestinian state. Mr. Sullivan was expected to try to advance the deal in his meeting with the Israeli leader.

Vivian Nereim contributed reporting.

— Matt Surman

‘We’re still afraid’: Gazans flee Jabaliya as Israel’s military launches a new offensive.

The northern town of Jabaliya had already come under fierce attacks from the Israeli military earlier in the war, killing many civilians and demolishing large parts of the suburb. So, as Israeli ground forces moved to other parts of the Gaza Strip and military strikes focused elsewhere, residents thought they had experienced their worst days.

But last week, the Israeli military dropped leaflets again over Jabaliya, where tens of thousands of people are living, ordering them to leave as it prepared to launch a renewed offensive.

“When the Israelis dropped the leaflets, people were terrified, especially given what they experienced previously,” said Iman Abu Jalhum, 23, who graduated from medical school two months before the war began and has been volunteering in hospitals treating the wounded. “We thought given that we have already been attacked that we were safe; the Israelis have already been here.”

Soon after the leaflets dropped, so too did the bombs, she said. Ms. Abu Jalhum, her 16-year-old sister and her parents fled their home under bombardment. She only had time to throw a few items of clothing into a bag and put on her prayer shawl.

Her father, who has back issues, struggled to walk along the road. Eventually, they found a donkey cart to take him the rest of the way, a few miles south.

Israel said it had renewed the offensive in Jabaliya on May 11 because Hamas was trying to reassemble its infrastructure and operatives in the area. Hamas accused Israel of “escalating its aggression against civilians all across Gaza” and vowed to continue fighting.

At least 15 civilians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday in Jabaliya and 30 others wounded, according to Wafa, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency. Ambulance and emergency crews have been unable to reach the area to rescue the injured and retrieve the bodies, it reported.

The Israeli military on Saturday said it had “engaged and eliminated” Hamas fighters in Jabaliya in a number of battles and located several tunnel shafts. Hamas said that its fighters destroyed an Israeli tank south of Jabaliya.

Ms. Abu Jalhum and her family are among at least 64,000 people who were displaced from Jabaliya and a neighboring town in the past week, according to the main U.N. agency aiding Palestinians, UNRWA.

They are now sheltering a few miles south in a bombed-out building, where the smell of dead bodies that have not yet been recovered hangs in the air. Strikes still hit nearby, she says, but there are fewer explosions and no clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters.

On Thursday, Ms. Abu Jalhum tried to go back to Jabaliya to check on her home, walking for 45 minutes along streets covered in debris. But as she neared her neighborhood, explosions were hitting too close to continue, she said.

“Yes, we have some courage, but we’re still afraid,” she said. “You might see martyrs killed in the street that no one can reach. You’re afraid there could be a sniper. The drones might target anyone there walking in the streets.”

Her family has had to flee several times during the course of the seven-month war, and they have always gone to stay with relatives in the same area. This time, the offensive is more expansive and intense, she said.

“We just want to go home,” she said, adding, “We’re so exhausted. You see it in our faces. We want to cry at times, but we’re unable to.”

— Raja Abdulrahim

In Israel, Stefanik denounces Biden and praises Trump.

Representative Elise Stefanik on Sunday addressed some lawmakers at Israel’s Parliament, denouncing President Biden for delaying some military aid to the country and praising former President Donald J. Trump as a true ally of the Jewish state.

Ms. Stefanik, Republican of New York, defended Israel’s military campaign and urged the country to pursue total victory in the war against Hamas.

“There is no excuse for an American president to block aid to Israel,” said Ms. Stefanik, who addressed the gathering at the Knesset. “I have been a leading proponent and partner to President Trump in his historic support for Israeli independence and security.”

Ms. Stefanik’s speech — which she said was made at the invitation of Amir Ohana, the speaker of Israel’s Parliament — builds on Republican attempts to capitalize on Democratic divisions over Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 attacks.

A spokesman for Mr. Biden said there was “no better friend to Israel” than the current president.

“He was the first American president to visit Israel during wartime — in the aftermath of the horrific Oct. 7th terrorist attacks — and the first president to order the U.S. military to defend Israel from a foreign nation’s attack,” a White House spokesman, Andrew Bates, said in a statement. “President Biden’s support for Israel’s security is ironclad. Unlike some figures on the right, President Biden did not rail against the Israeli government in the days after Oct. 7, nor has he ever praised terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, and he will not be lectured by any person who was silent in the face of those offensive statements.”

The Israeli Parliament is currently in recess. Ms. Stefanik addressed the Knesset Caucus for Jewish and Pro-Israel Students on Campuses Around the World, according to The Times of Israel . Her remarks, in which she also attacked U.S. colleges for failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism, appeared intended to curry favor with Mr. Trump, who has mentioned Ms. Stefanik as a potential running mate.

Ms. Stefanik was once a Trump critic but has reinvented herself over the past few years as one of his most outspoken defenders — echoing his policies and his rhetoric alike. In recent months, she has been the face of a House panel that has interrogated university presidents over allegations of antisemitism on campus.

Ms. Stefanik, a former George W. Bush White House aide, has positioned herself as one of Mr. Trump’s most loyal defenders in Congress, a role she initially staked out during his first impeachment in 2019.

Her prepared remarks for Sunday mentioned Mr. Trump by name several times while highlighting several of his administration’s accomplishments, including a package of Middle East deals known as the Abraham Accords and moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

— Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Michael C. Bender

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, hardline ally of Supreme Leader, killed in helicopter crash

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LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Putin expresses condolences over death of 'true friend of Russia', speaks to interim president by phone
Supreme Leader Khamenei approves First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as interim president
Five days of mourning declared in Iran
Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani appointed as acting foreign minister

'SHADOW WAR'

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attends a meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on the Azerbaijan-Iran border

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Live updates: Iranian President Raisi is confirmed dead in helicopter crash

What we know:.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash, state media reported Monday morning.
The cause of the crash Sunday was unclear. Iranian officials said fog and bad weather in the area slowed rescuers' response.
Early Monday local time, state-affiliated media reported that the exact location of the helicopter had been found. State media later reported that there was no sign of life.
Raisi was returning with a government delegation that had attended the inauguration of a dam on the border with Azerbaijan. There were no survivors among the nine people on board, who also included Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber has been named interim president, while Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani will serve as acting foreign minister, state media reported.

Red Crescent workers carry covered body on a stretcher

Video footage from Iran’s official news agency showed Red Crescent workers carrying a covered body on a stretcher through a forested area.

NBC News cannot independently verify the footage, which was published following a helicopter crash in which President Ebrahim Raisi and eight others were killed.

No evidence of foul play in chopper crash: administration official

Gabe Gutierrez

A senior administration official agrees with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s comments yesterday that there doesn’t appear to be any evidence of foul play in the helicopter crash that killed Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and a handful of other officials.

“No foreign involvement at all,” this official said.

However, the Biden administration is monitoring the situation closely and watching reports of any Iranian officials trying to blame the U.S. or Israel for the Iranian president’s death.

“They already have,” this official said, noting claims by Iran’s former foreign minister on state TV today that U.S. sanctions were to blame for the lack of replacement helicopter parts in the country.

“It’s ridiculous,” the official said.

As for whether the death of Iran’s president and foreign minister would have any impact on U.S-Iran relations: “We’re not anticipating any significant sea change here.”

President Biden is expected to return to the White House early this afternoon.

Raisi's death a 'monumental' blow to supreme leader, opposition group says

Mithil Aggarwal

President Ebrahim Raisi’s death is “a monumental and irreparable strategic blow” to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, and could create a crisis for the theocratic regime, according to a leading opposition group.

“It will trigger a series of repercussions and crises within theocratic tyranny, which will spur rebellious youths into action,” Maryam Rajavi, an Iranian dissident politician and president-elect of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, said in a statement.

“The curse of mothers and those seeking justice for the executed, along with the damnation of the Iranian people and history, mark the legacy of Ebrahim Raisi, the notorious perpetrator of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners,” she added.

Analysis: Raisi death could lead to supreme leader succession crisis

Richard Engel

He had been one of the favorites to take over from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, so the death of President Ebrahim Raisi could create a succession crisis in the Islamic Republic.

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza, Iran has had two rulers, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who served as supreme leader until his death in 1989, and his successor Khamenei.

They held the real power, and while Raisi was president, he carried out the orders of the supreme leader, rather than setting them. So when Iran fired drones and ballistic missiles at Israel last month, Raisi would have been involved in carrying out the attack, but it would have been authorized by Khamenei.

Khamenei is 85, however, and thoughts have been turning to who might succeed Khamenei. Raisi had been among the leading candidates to replace him.

The other leading candidate is Khamenei’s son Mojtaba.

While there is no evidence that Raisi's helicopter was brought down deliberately, were Khamenei to appoint Mojtaba now there is no doubt that some people will view that with suspicion.

So a regime that has replaced thousands of years of hereditary monarchy, will now have to think carefully about who comes next.

Of one thing there is no doubt. The U.S. and other countries will be watching closely.

Rescuers search the crash site

Matt Nighswander

Rescue team members search an area near the crash site of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Members of search-and-rescue teams scoured the mountainside where the helicopter carrying President Raisi and other top officials crashed.

King of Bahrain sends condolences to Supreme Leader on Raisi's death

Yuliya Talmazan

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, joined the chorus of Middle Eastern leaders offering their condolences for President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash.

The island nation's monarch sent a cable to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Bahrain's state news agency reported Monday. It added that he sent his condolences to Ayatollah, the people of Iran and the families of the deceased.

Bahrain led a brutal crackdown on its Shiite majority during the Arab Spring of 2011, a moved that that was condemned by Tehran.

Iran, a predominantly Shiite power, had long championed the rights of the community in Bahrain and in 2016 it warned that it would “pay the price” for the crackdown.

Iran’s neighbors offer condolences

Aishwarya Thapa Chhetri

Condolences are coming in from some of the countries that border Iran, including Azerbaijan, whose President Ilham Aliyev saw Raisi yesterday at the inauguration of a dam on the Iran-Azerbaijan border before the crash that killed him, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and seven others.

Aliyev said his country was “deeply shocked” by the news, describing Raisi as “a prominent statesman who served his country with dedication and loyalty all his life.”

Pakistan, which Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian visited last month after an unprecedented exchange of military strikes between the two countries, said it would observe a day of mourning. In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two men were “good friends of Pakistan” and that he had been “hoping for good news.”

Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani of Iraq, a historic rival where Iran has been gaining influence, expressed “deep sadness and great sorrow” at the deaths of Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian. And in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said “we will stand by our neighbor Iran in these difficult and sad times.”

Video said to show helicopter crash site where Iranian President Raisi was killed

A Turkish TV news crew reported from what it said was the site of a helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and eight others were killed.

It showed mangled metal and engine parts among trees and branches.

China and Russia offer condolences for 'friend' Raisi

Jennifer Jett

China and Russia, both of which have been forging closer ties with Iran, expressed their condolences over Raisi’s death.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Raisi as an “outstanding politician” who “rightfully enjoyed high respect from his compatriots and significant authority abroad.”

“As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good neighborly relations between our countries,” he said.

Similarly, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said President Xi Jinping had sent a message of condolence to Iran's interim president, Mohammad Mokhber, and that Raisi’s death was “a great loss for the Iranian people and a loss of a good friend for the Chinese people.”

Iranian flag flies at half-staff at Iran's London embassy

The Iranian flag flies at half-mast at the country's embassy in London on Monday.

LONDON — The Iranian flag was flying at half-staff at the Islamic Republic’s embassy in central London on Monday, hours after President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash was confirmed.

Things were quiet around the embassy, with virtually no police presence as tourists milled about across the road in London’s iconic Hyde Park on a warm, sunny morning.

Arab leaders offer condolences to Iran

Leaders from around the Arab world including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen have offered their condolences to Iran.

Syrian Prime Minister Bashar al-Assad said Raisi's death in a helicopter crash made him “a martyr in the redemption of duty.”

Lebanon, home to Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah, declared an official mourning period of three days.

Who is Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s interim president?

First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, 68, has been named interim president until new elections are held within 50 days.

Like Raisi, Mokhber is believed to be close to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who serves as the head of state. He became vice president in 2021 alongside Raisi, who was elected his boss.

Mokhber was once under sanctions by the European Union for alleged involvement in "nuclear or ballistic missile activities." He also headed Setad, an investment fund linked to Khamenei that was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Hezbollah and Houthis mourn Raisi's death

Lebanon-based Hezbollah and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, political and military groups backed by Iran, issued statements praising Raisi and mourning his death.

Hezbollah said it mourned with "deep sadness the martyrdom of Raisi, Abdollahian and others in a tragic incident.” Hezbollah was founded by Shia clerics during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and was profoundly influenced by the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and its leader Ayatollah Khomeini.

Yemen's Houthi rebels said it offers "deepest condolences" to the Iranian people and the family of those who died. The Zaidi Shia group that controls much of Yemen is also supported by Iran but believed to be more independent of Tehran than Hezbollah.

European Union expresses condolences

European Council President Charles Michel said the European Union “expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident.”

“Our thoughts go to the families,” he said in a post on X.

Mohammad Mokhber is named Iran’s interim president

First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as Iran’s interim president after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, state media reported.

His appointment was approved by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader and head of state, who also announced five days of public mourning. A presidential election must now be called within 50 days.

Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, was also killed in the crash. According to state media, Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has been named acting foreign minister.

Iranian official blames U.S. sanctions for crash

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the United States was “one of the main culprits” in the crash that killed Raisi, citing U.S. sanctions affecting aviation in comments on state television.

Iran, which operates a range of helicopters, has long been under sanctions that make it difficult to maintain them or purchase spare parts. Most of the helicopters in operation date back to before the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Pakistan observes day of mourning

Pakistan will observe a day of mourning today "as a mark of respect," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X.

"They were good friends of Pakistan," he said, referring to Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Pakistan extends its condolences to Iran, he said, adding that he had been "hoping for good news."

In NBC News interview, Raisi expressed no regrets on response to mass protests

Dan De Luce

Nearly a year after mass protests erupted in Iran, the country’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, defended his government’s response to the demonstrations in an interview with NBC News , and warned that those who tried to sow instability in the Islamic Republic would pay a “big cost.”

In his first interview with a Western news organization since nationwide protests in 2022 that were set off by the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, Raisi told NBC News’ Lester Holt that the unrest was allegedly fueled by U.S. and European powers and that security forces had treated protesters in a “peaceful” manner.

Asked about human rights reports that Iran was seeking to silence activists in advance of the first anniversary of Amini’s death, Raisi said that his government was ready to listen to genuine protesters but would not tolerate attempts to destabilize the country.

Read the full story here.

Iran's cabinet holds 'emergency meeting'

The Iranian cabinet held an "emergency meeting" on Monday following the announcement of Raisi's death, state news agency IRNA reported.

First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, 68, who is next in line to succeed Raisi, led the meeting.

The chair where Raisi usually sits was vacant. It was draped with a black sash with a picture of him next to it, according to a photo shared by IRNA.

Death of Iranian president could see rise of Revolutionary Guard

Raisi’s death could lead to the further rise of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. NBC News’ Richard Engel explains Iran’s power balance.

Hamas expresses condolences for deaths of Raisi, others on helicopter

Lawahez Jabari

Dennis Romero

Hamas leaders, amid war with Israel, expressed condolences over the deaths of Raisi and others on board a helicopter that crashed in the northwest region of Iran on Sunday.

A Hamas statement said the militant group exists in solidarity with Iran's supreme leader and the Iranian people on the occasion of the president's death as well as that of the others on board, including Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

The statement called the crash an "unfortunate accident and painful tragedy."

"May He inspire the brotherly Iranian people and the families and loved ones of the victims with patience and good condolences," an NBC News translation from Arabic reads.

Hamas praised Iran's "honorable positions in support of our Palestinian cause" and said Hamas is confident the Islamic Republic of Iran will overcome the losses.

India's prime minister 'saddened and shocked' by Raisi's death

Megan Lebowitz

Reactions are starting to trickle in as world leaders learn of Raisi's death.

India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, wrote in a post on X that he was "deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise" of Raisi.

"His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered," Modi said. "My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow."

State-affiliated news agency identifies those on board helicopter

Nine people were on board the helicopter that crashed, leaving no survivors, Tasnim News Agency, a government-affiliated outlet, reported.

It listed the decedents on board with Raisi. They included Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian; Ayatollah Al Hashem, representative of the supreme leader for parts of Azerbaijan; Eastern Azerbaijan Gov. Malek Rahmati; Cmdr. Seyed Mahdi Mousavi, the head of the president’s security unit; and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps member Ansarol Mahdi.

The helicopter's pilot and co-pilot and a technical assistant also on board were not identified.

The aircraft was returning from a trip to the inauguration of an Iranian dam on the border with Azerbaijan.

Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said fog and bad weather in the area slowed rescuers’ response. The cause of the crash was unclear, but U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said intelligence officials informed him that there is “no evidence of foul play.”

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, known for brutal crackdowns against political opposition, dies at 63

Doha Madani

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, known for enforcing brutal crackdowns on political opposition and seen as a potential successor to the supreme leader, has died in a helicopter crash landing in the country’s north , state media reported Monday. He was 63 years old.

Raisi, a conservative hard-line cleric, took office in August 2021 after several popular candidates were disqualified from the election, which saw historically low turnout. He wore a black turban, symbolic of those who are descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.

His tenure saw a crackdown on mass protests after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was killed; the enforcement of a strict women’s dress code; increased enrichment of uranium after the U.S. withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal; and increased military tensions with Israel and the West as the regime supported Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Who will succeed Raisi?

According to Iranian law, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume power after receiving an approval from the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is the head of state.

A presidential election must be called within 50 days, the law says.

Khamanei has said there will be no disruption to state affairs.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is dead, Iran state media says

President Ebrahim Raisi died when the helicopter he was in crashed Sunday, and no survivors were located early Monday, Iranian state media has confirmed.

Raisi, 63, was returning with other government officials who presided at the inauguration of a dam on the Aras River on the border with Azerbaijan when the helicopter went down near the village of Uzi in in northwest Iran, according to reports.

Iran state media says 'no sign of life' on helicopter

Iran state media reported there is "no sign of life" after the helicopter carrying Iran's president was located.

Helicopter’s exact location is found, Iran state-affiliated media reports

Ellie Khademi

Rebecca Cohen

The exact site of the helicopter crash has been found, according to Iranian media outlets.

The head of the Iranian Red Crescent said early Monday local time that searchers were walking toward the helicopter and were about 2 kilometers away, Fars News Media reported.

Student News Network reported that first responders were on their way to the downed helicopter.

Group prayers take place in Tehran for Iran’s president following chopper crash

Large groups gathered to pray for Raisi following the “crash landing” of his helicopter. Raisi’s condition remains unclear.

No evidence of 'foul play' at root of helicopter crash, says Sen. Schumer

Yasmeen Persaud

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., says intelligence authorities have informed him that there is "no evidence of foul play" in the helicopter crash.

"It was very bad, foggy weather, northwest Iran where the copter crashed. So it looks like an accident, but it’s still being fully investigated," Schumer said. "There’s an ongoing effort to locate the helicopter. They still haven’t done that, and I’ll keep monitoring the situation as it unfolds.”

Schumer made the remark at an unrelated news conference in Manhattan today, just as Iranian state media reported that crews believe they have found the site of the crash.

Iranian state media says exact location of helicopter crash identified

The location of the helicopter crash has been identified, Iranian state media reported.

The commander of the East Azerbaijan Army said that a signal from the helicopter and a cellphone belonging to one of the crew members at the accident site was received "minutes ago."

"Right now, we are leaving with all the military forces to the area in question and I hope to give good news to the people," the commander said.

State media video shows heavy fog around site in search for Iranian President Raisi

Video from Iranian state media appears to show heavy fog around the area where crews are reportedly carrying out search-and-rescue efforts after the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi experienced a “hard landing.” Raisi’s condition is unknown.

Contact made with 2 people in crash, Iranian official says

Mohsen Mansouri, Iran's vice president, said that contact has been established between rescue workers at two people involved in the crash.

He did not specify who rescue workers had been in contact with when making the comments on state television today, but noted that communication was established on "several occasions."

Rescue workers say they believe they're approaching scene of accident, state news reports

Hours after the helicopter crash was reported, state news reports that the search-and-rescue operations are approaching the site where they believe the crash occurred.

Tasnim News and Ofogh television, both state news sources, said that Red Crescent workers were in the vicinity of the crash and expected to come across the site soon. Iran's interior minister previously said that the crews were struggling to reach the remote area of the crash due to heavy fog and bad weather.

A video clip published to Tasnim's social media purportedly showing the area displayed the low visibility and what sounded like heavy winds as people walked with flashlights. The grainy footage showed the silhouettes of people a few yards away as strong gusts could be heard in the background.

NBC News is not able to independently verify the footage.

Iran's supreme leader tells citizens to pray for Raisi and delegation

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei released a statement following news of the crash, saying that he hoped God would return Raisi and the officials traveling with him "to the arms of the nation."

The statement was reported by Nour News, which is closely linked to Iran's immensely powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"Everyone should pray for the health of this group of servants," the statement said. "If the people of Iran do not worry, there will be no disruption in the work of the country."

2 helicopters from Raisi convoy reach their destination safely: state TV

F. Brinley Bruton

According to Iranian English-language state news agency Press TV, two helicopters from Raisi’s convoy carrying government ministers and officials had reached their destination safely.

Press TV did not add any details about who exactly had landed safely.

Official Instagram for Iranian president asks for prayers

The official Instagram page for Ebrahim Raisi, the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, posted a request for prayers today after news that his helicopter made a crash landing.

Raisi's photo was posted to the account's "stories" with the words "Khatm Salavat" written across it the large font. The term "Salavat" is referring to an Islamic prayer praising the prophet and the prophet's family.

The post requested Iranians pray for Raisi's health as well as the delegation he was traveling with, which included the president's security detail, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and East Azerbaijan's governor, Malik Rahmati.

Their conditions are currently unknown.

Iran interior minister says search and rescue teams were delayed by bad weather

Iran's Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told state television that heavy fog and bad weather delayed the search and rescue teams from being able to reach the site of the crash.

“There have been contacts with [the president’s] companions, but given that the area is mountainous and it is difficult to establish contacts. We hope that the rescue teams will reach the site of the incident sooner and give us more information,” he told IRINN, a state television channel.

He also added that though the area is remote, the rescue work is "under control."

Azerbaijan’s Aliyev says his prayers are with Raisi

BAKU, Azerbaijan — Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said he was profoundly troubled by news of the Iranian president's helicopter crash landing after bidding a friendly farewell to Ebrahim Raisi earlier in the day.

"Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran," Aliyev said.

"Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the accompanying delegation. As a neighbor, friend, and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands ready to offer any assistance needed."

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PM Modi in Egypt Highlights: With ‘Order of Nile’, ‘strategic partnership’ agreement, PM Modi concludes two-day visit

PM Modi Egypt Visit Highlights: PM Modi visits historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, pays tribute to Indian soldiers at Heliopolis War Cemetery; PM Modi to meet President El-Sisi today.

PM Modi Egypt Visit Highlights

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Indian Prime Minister Modi arrives in Egypt on a two-day visit to strengthen ties

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