President Sisi to carry out intensive activities in Singapore

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who arrived here earlier on Sunday, begins his activities with a visit to the Harmony Center established upon an initiative by the Islamic Center in Singapore, where he will meet with the Mufti of Singapore and a number of Al Azhar graduates.

Around 300 Singaporeans study at Al Azhar annually at their own expenses. Singapore has two Azharite high schools.

President Sisi will visit the Hyflux water desalination station for drinking water and water generation, according to Egypt's Ambassador here Fatma Galal.

President Sisi's current visit to Singapore is the first by an Egyptian head of state, she said, adding that Egypt is among the first nations to recognize Singapore. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established 49 years ago, she added. Singapore had no embassy in Africa or the Arab World except in Egypt.

Sisi's state visit, includes meetings with the president and the prime minister, she added.

The Egyptian community in Singapore comprises only 150 people.

The Egyptian leader will attend an orchid-naming ceremony during which an orchid breed will be named after President Sisi and placed at the botanical garden.

An official reception ceremony will take place at the Istana Palace for the president who will be accompanied by Head of the mission of honor Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew.

President Sisi's official accompanying delegation comprises the ministers of foreign affairs, irrigation and investment and the head of the Suez Canal Authority.

The president will hold talks with his Singaporean counterpart Tony Tan and the prime minister Lee Hsein Long and then meet over a working luncheon with a number of leading businessmen and investors and representatives of major companies including Olam, one of the largest Singaporean investors in Egypt.

Head of the Suez Canal Authority Mohab Memish will make a presentation of available investments in the Suez Canal development project.

The president will also grant an interview to NewsAsia, one of the largest TV channels in Singapore. The two leaders will exchange speeches and on the third day of the visit, President Sisi will visit Singapore Harbor, one of the largest and most accurate and swift facilities before leaving for China.

Source: MENA