PM Modi receives Egypt's highest state honour, 'Order of Nile'

New Delhi, June 25 (HS): Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in the Presidential Palace in Cairo. The Egyptian President bestowed the 'Order of the Nile' award to PM Modi, Egypt's highest state honour. The two leaders will meet at a high level event and sign strategic collaboration contracts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cairo on Saturday for the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM in 26 years, as part of his two-nation tour. In a unique gesture, Egypt's Prime Minister greeted PM Modi at Cairo's airport with a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour.

During his tour, PM Modi also met with Egypt's Grand Mufti, Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, eminent thinker Tarek Heggy, and famed yoga teachers Reem Jabak and Nada Adel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his maiden state visit to Egypt by meeting with Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly and top Cabinet officials to discuss increasing commercial cooperation and enhancing the two nations' strategic alliance. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Egyptian Prime Minister, the Indian flag was spotted flying beside the Egyptian flag. "I was honoured to meet Egypt's Grand Mufti, Dr Shawky Ibrahim Allam." "We had rich discussions on India-Egypt relations, particularly cultural and people-to-people ties," PM Modi tweeted following the meeting.

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Cairo's Al-Hakim Mosque and the Heliopolis War Memorial. He is scheduled to attend a luncheon hosted by Egypt's president at 4:30 p.m. and then depart for New Delhi. PM Modi also met with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, and addressed economic and investment issues. "I had a fruitful meeting with Mr Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company. I enjoyed hearing about his passion for preserving Egypt's cultural heritage, in addition to discussing topics related to the economy and investments," he tweeted. The Indian Prime Minister also met with Tarek Heggy, a well-known intellectual.

"I had the pleasure of speaking with the well-known thinker Tarek Heggy." I listened to his enlightening perspectives on world challenges. "I admire his extensive knowledge of cultural issues," he tweeted.

PM Modi visited notable Yoga instructors Reem Jabak and Aada Cadel in Cairo on Saturday and praised their dedication to the practise. He also advised them to visit India. "In Cairo, prominent Egyptian yoga practitioners and instructors Reem Jabak and Nada Adel met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister expressed admiration for their commitment to popularising Yoga," said Arindam Bagchi, the official spokeswoman for the Ministry of External Affairs.

Hindusthan Samachar/Abhishek Awasthi