Egypt-Saudi Arabia Relations: President el-Sisi, Prince Mohamed bin Salman to boost ties

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02:28

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is touring Arab nations in a bid for regional support ahead of his appearance at the G20 summit. International criticism of the young royal has been mounting over his alleged involvement in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But he got a warm official welcome in Egypt. Adel eL Mahrouky has more.

More than a hundred Egyptian journalists have signed a petition condemning Mohamed bin Salman's visit, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Washington Post writer Jamal Khashoggi. Nonetheless, the Saudi crown prince has been warmly welcomed by President Abdel Fattah eL Sisi.

KARAM SAEED, RESEARCHER AL AHRAM CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES "Bin Salman wants to paint a picture of himself as a global leader ahead of the G20 summit in Argentina. But there is a wave of criticism against him. Turkey has indirectly hinted at his involvement in Khashoggi's murder and the CIA has confirmed the crown prince's participation, despite Saudi Arabia's absolute rejection of these claims."

Since Khashoggi's death, Egypt, Saudi Arabia's strongest North African ally, has shown confidence in local investigations. And, during meetings on Tuesday, EL Sisi and the crown prince have confirmed they're working to deepen economic and political partnerships.

KARAM SAEED, RESEARCHER AL AHRAM CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES "Bilateral ties are, of course, part of the programme, but they're not top of the agenda. The main purpose of this visit is to confirm Egypt's support for Saudi Arabia on the international stage, to stress that Egypt supports the kingdom's pursuit of justice in the death of Jamal Khashoggi."

Annual trade between the two Red Sea neighbours is estimated at about 6.2 billion dollars. Riyadh is the largest Arab investor in Egypt, while Cairo has investments in 1,300 projects in the kingdom. The two countries also tend to support each other's stance on regional conflict. Egypt is participating in Saudi Arabia's coalition against the Houthis in Yemen, while Riyadh supports Cairo's position on Libya.

ADEL EL MAHROUKY CAIRO, EGYPT "Cairo is Mohamed bin Salman's third stop. However, the tour appears to be more focused on showing the Saudi crown prince being welcomed by Arab leaders, an indirect display of the support he has in the region, despite the ongoing Khashoggi investigation. CGTN."