Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with King Harald V of Norway on Monday during his official visit to Norway, which is part of his European tour that began this week with a stop in Denmark. The president is also scheduled to visit Ireland. Egypt's presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy reported that the two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and coordinate positions in international forums on mutual interests. They also reviewed the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Egypt's efforts to restore stability in the region. King Harald V welcomed President Al-Sisi, expressing his country's appreciation for Egypt's vital role in Africa and the Middle East. He also praised the momentum in the relationship between Egypt and Norway in recent years. President Al-Sisi highlighted the significance of his visit, marking the first by an Egyptian president to Norway since diplomatic relations were established in 1936. He also extended an invitation for King Harald V to visit Egypt for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Later on Monday, President Al-Sisi met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Both sides praised the positive developments in their bilateral relations across various fields. They emphasized the importance of advancing economic, trade, and investment relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the business sectors and chambers of commerce. The President also expressed Egypt's interest in expanding its green energy production, particularly green hydrogen, and welcomed the opportunity to cooperate with Norway in this area. The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining regular political consultations and aligning their positions on key regional and international issues, such as supporting the Palestinian cause and restoring stability in the Middle East. A memorandum of understanding was signed to establish a mechanism for political consultations between the two countries. In addition, President Al-Sisi met with Masud Gharahkhani, Speaker of the Norwegian Parliament, and members of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The meeting focused on Egypt's efforts to restore stability in the Middle East, with both sides stressing the importance of a ceasefire, the exchange of hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the prevention of further escalation in the region. The President emphasized the need to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between Egypt and Norway, including through consultations and the exchange of visits and expertise. He also discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral ties in trade and investment, particularly in renewable and green energy sectors, and explored avenues for cooperation on issues such as climate change, combating terrorism, and tackling illegal immigration.
