Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has emphasized the importance of Saudi King Salman’s visit to Cairo and spoke of the “special relationship” between the two countries in an interview with Al Arabiya News Channel.
“Some media circles have been doubting the strength of our relationship but I am in constant communication with my Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir who has assured that ties remain strong,” Shoukry told Al Arabiya.
Shoukry added that Saudi Arabia and Egypt have coordinated efforts in combatting multiple issues, especially on security.
The rare foreign trip by the Saudi king will counter media commentary in both countries of discord between the richest Arab state and the most populous, to show Riyadh still backs Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Saudi Arabia is set to sign a $20 billion deal to finance Egypt’s petroleum needs for the next five years and a $1.5 billion deal to develop its Sinai region.

Source: Al Arabiya News, April 6