Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday evening at Alamein Airport in northern Egypt, marking the start of an official visit lasting several days, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

El-Sisi warmly welcomed his Emirati counterpart, describing him as a “great guest of Egypt,” and highlighted the special place Sheikh Mohamed holds among the Egyptian leadership and people. He also reaffirmed the strength and depth of the historic ties between the two nations.

The statement did not provide details on the nature of the visit, the expected meetings, or the issues likely to be discussed.