Members of the Egyptian House of Representatives welcomed Saudi King Salman ben Abdel Aziz with applause upon his arrival at the main hall of the parliament on Sunday to deliver a historic speech.

Upon his entry, the legislators stood in appreciation for the Saudi monarch, chanting "Egypt and Saudi Arabia are hand in a hand" and "Welcome at home".

The king's speech is the first of its kind in Egypt's 150-year-old parliamentary history.

King Salman arrived in Egypt on Thursday on a five-day visit, his first since ascending to the throne in January 2015 following the death of late King Abdullah.

Security around the headquarters of the parliament was beefed up since the wee hours of Sunday.

Mobiles were taken from lawmakers as well as journalists who will cover this big event from inside the house chamber while those will follow up the session from the media center were allowed to keep their cell phones and laptops.

No cars were allowed to park in the precincts of the parliament

Source: MENA