Terror, trade likely to rule discussions with visiting Egyptian President

Counter-terror cooperation and bilateral trade would be the key points of discussions during the upcoming visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, who is scheduled to be in India from September 1 to September 3, officials said on Friday.

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Amar Sinha said that the first bilateral visit to India of the Egyptian President would further strengthen India-Egypt relations.

Sisi, visiting India on the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee, will be accompanied by high-level delegation comprising of ministers, officials and business leaders.

During the visit, President Mukherjee will host a banquet in his honour on September 2, Sinha said while briefing the media about Sisi's engagements here.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi would hold extensive discussions with President Sisi, and a restricted meeting as well, followed by delegation level talks. This would be followed by signing of agreements and a statement by the two leaders in the presence of the media," he said.

The Prime Minister would also host a lunch in Sisi's honour, he added.

Vice President Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj would call on Sisi during his visit.

Sisi is expected to interact with business leaders both of India and Egypt at an event organised by Ficci during his visit, and a meeting of India-Egypt joint business council is also likely, Sinha said.

Sinha said that cooperation on counter-terrorism and sharing of intelligence is an important element of India's bilateral relations with Egypt.

"Terrorism is an issue we always keep our focus on," he said.

The Secretary said that the total trade between India and Egypt is to the tune of $3.5 billion, of which $2.3 billion is the export component.

--IANS

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