Singaporean President Tony Tan met Monday with his visiting Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

This is the first time an Egyptian president has visited Singapore, Tan said, seeing in this a big start of cooperation relations between the two countries.

The visit coincides with the golden jubilee of Singapore's independence, Tan said, adding that Egypt was among the first world countries to recognize Singapore.

Presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef said Sisi greatly appreciated the warm welcome by President Tan.

Sisi praised progress achieved in Singapore and wished its people further prosperity, Youssef added.

The Egyptian president was also pleased with Singapore's supportive stance of the will and choices of the free Egyptian people, the spokesman said.

Singapore was an effective participant in the Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC), which was held in Sharm el Sheikh mid March. A Singaporean delegation also attended the inauguration of the New Suez Canal on August 6.

Tan said the New Suez Canal is truly Egypt's gift to the world given its vital role in facilitating the international navigation movement.

Sisi said he is looking forward to benefiting from Singapore's know how in the fields of water desalination and processing and upgrading ports.

He talked about many development projects Egypt intends to implement in the coming stage, atop of which the Suez Canal Corridor, which includes six ports.

Sisi welcomed Singaporean investments in the different projects. He posted Tan on measures taken and legislation issued to attract new investments and improve the business climate in Egypt.

Tan also spoke highly of calls by President Sisi to renew the religious discourse. He lauded Egypt's efforts to uproot terrorism.

Presidential spokesman Youssef said Sisi stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and countering terrorism.

Violence, sabotage and murder are far from the tolerant teachings of Islam, which is a religion of mercy and acceptance of the Other, Sisi said.

He told Tan that Egypt is willing to cooperate with Singapore in training imams through its Al Azhar.

Tan said his country is home to many religions and cultures. Singapore is keen on achieving societal consensus, he added. Tan touched upon the role played by the Harmony Center in Singapore to promote interfaith harmony. Sisi visited the Harmony Center Sunday.

The presidential spokesman said Sisi invited Tan to visit Egypt. Tan welcomed the invitation and said he is looking forward to going to Egypt to get firsthand information about progress achieved in the Arab country over the past year.
Source: MENA