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India, Egypt cement ties with strategic partnership

NEW DELHI, Jan 25 (KUNA) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks on Wednesday with visiting Egyptian President Abdulfattah Al-Sisi to cement bilateral ties between the two countries via elevating relationship into strategic partnership.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement this strategic partnership would cover political, security, defense, energy and economic areas.
A decision to exchange commemorative postal stamps to mark 75 years of establishment of India-Egypt relationship was also taken during the talks, in addition to inking five MoUs in areas of cyber security, information technology, culture, youth matters and cooperation in broadcasting.
Noting that trade between Egypt and India goes back thousands of years, Modi stated at a joint press conference after the talks, "We have decided that under India-Egypt Strategic Partnership, we will develop a long-term framework for more comprehensive cooperation in political, security, economic and scientific fields,".
India's invitation to Egypt to the G-20 meeting during Indian presidency is a testament to the special friendship between the two countries, the Indian PM commented, adding that it is matter of honor and joy for the whole of India that President Al-Sisi will attend Indian Republic Day celebrations tomorrow. On his part, Al-Sisi, who arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a three-day state visit heading a high-level delegation, said that trade and investment opportunities were among the top items discussed, as well as combating terrorism and radicalization.
The Egyptian President was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace earlier today with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi and several other leaders present.
Al-Sisi is the chief guest at India's 74th Republic Day tomorrow, and it is for the first time an Egyptian President is invited for the occasion. (end) atk.aai