Monday, 25 May 2026
Egyptian President welcomes Singaporean counterpart for landmark visit to Cairo
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi welcomed Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First Lady Jane Yumiko Ittogi to Cairo’s Al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace today, marking the start of a significant state visit aimed at advancing partnership and cooperation between the two nations.
Upon arrival, President Tharman and First Lady Ittogi were received with official honors, including a guard of honor and the playing of both national anthems. The welcome set the tone for a series of fruitful discussions, both in private and alongside delegations from both countries.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy, talks focused on ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. President El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s dynamic economy and the range of investment opportunities that have attracted growing interest from Singaporean firms in recent years. Discussions also covered trade, port management, digital transformation, and cultural exchange, with President Tharman expressing appreciation for the influential role of Egypt’s Al-Azhar in educating Singaporean Muslim students.
President Tharman praised Egypt’s recent development leap and promising investment climate, inviting President El-Sisi to make a state visit to Singapore next year on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. President El-Sisi gladly welcomed the invitation.
The two leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues, particularly the situation in the Middle East. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages, emphasizing Egypt’s firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians. President Tharman commended Egypt’s crucial role in supporting regional stability and lauded Singapore’s ongoing humanitarian support for Gaza through Egypt.
The visit culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering key areas including agriculture, healthcare, maritime transport, social protection, small and medium enterprises, economic partnership, and government training.
During a joint press conference, President El-Sisi warmly welcomed President Tharman, underscoring the long-standing friendship and mutual respect that underpin Egyptian-Singaporean relations since Egypt became the first Arab and African country to recognize Singapore’s independence in 1965. Both leaders voiced optimism for expanding economic and cultural cooperation, as well as increased investment and knowledge exchange.
In his remarks, President El-Sisi called on Singaporean public and private entities to further invest in Egypt’s growing market, highlighting opportunities that extend from the Middle East to Africa, and affirmed the two nations’ shared vision for peace and humanitarian aid in the region.
With sincere hospitality, President El-Sisi wished continued prosperity for Singapore and expressed hope that their enduring partnership will foster peace, development, and understanding for years to come.