The official visit began with an elaborate reception ceremony, where a guard of honor saluted the visiting head of state and the national anthems of both Egypt and Singapore were played.
Sisi and Shanmugaratnam held a private bilateral meeting
before a wider discussion involving delegations from both countries, according
to a statement from presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy. The visit is
part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the
two nations.
The leaders' discussions focused on strengthening bilateral
relations, with Sisi highlighting vast potential for economic and investment
cooperation in Egypt, the presidential spokesperson said.
Talks also covered key areas including trade, port
management, digital transformation, and cultural cooperation.
For his part, Shanmugaratnam praised Egypt's
"developmental progress" and its promising investment climate. The
Singaporean president also lauded the role of Cairo's Al-Azhar, a leading seat
of Islamic learning, in educating Singaporean students.
Shanmugaratnam extended an invitation for Sisi to conduct a
state visit to Singapore next year, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic
relations between the two countries. Sisi welcomed the invitation, the
spokesperson added.
The two leaders also addressed regional and international
issues, focusing in particular on the Middle East.
According to the presidential spokesperson, Sisi reviewed
Egypt's efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitate
humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages.
Both presidents reiterated their shared rejection of the
forced displacement of Palestinians. Sisi thanked Singapore for its
humanitarian aid to Gaza, while noting the challenges hindering its sufficient
delivery.
For his part, Shanmugaratnam lauded Egypt's "vital
role" in supporting regional stability and security.
The visit concluded with the signing of several memorandums
of understanding covering a range of fields, including agriculture, health, and
maritime transport.
Other agreements were signed on social protection, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthening economic partnerships, and personnel training.