Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi held talks on Monday with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at Ittihadiya presidential palace in Cairo where they discussed ways to boost bilateral relations, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said. Welcoming Bolkiah and his delegation, President El-Sisi said that the sultan's visit to Egypt gave a strong boost to bilateral relations in light of the great understanding between Egypt and Brunei towards various regional and international issues. The Egyptian president noted that he is looking forward to developing bilateral cooperation with Brunei in different fields, especially in religion, tourism, culture, and the economy, as well as paying attention to luring Bruneian investments to Egypt. The president stressed the importance of mutual political coordination and consultation towards regional issues of common interest topped by combating terrorism and extremism. During the meeting, he reviewed Egypt's efforts over the past years in confronting extreme thought, as well as religious institutions' role in correcting religious discourse, pointing out that Egypt is keen on maintaining Al-Azhar's role in spreading noble values. Meanwhile, Bolkiah hailed the deeply-rooted ties between Bandar Seri Begawan and Cairo and Egypt's accomplishments over the past period, particularly in fighting terrorism and economic reform. The sultan said that his country appreciates Egypt's vital and active role which Brunei counts on to achieve security and stability in the Arab and Islamic worlds. He lauded the Egyptian role in combating extremism and hatred and disseminating moderate Islamic thought, citing Al-Azhar's great position and influence in Brunei. The two leaders touched on the latest developments in the Middle East and the Islamic world and agreed on keeping intensified coordination and enhancing cooperation and consultation in different international events.
