Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first tour of Egypt, will visit the 11th century Al-Hakim mosque and will also pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who died fighting for Egypt during the First World War, said Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Monday
The mosque, which has been refurbished and renovated by the Bohri Muslim community, will be a highlight of Modi’s trip. Additionally, he will pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought and perished for Egypt during the First World War. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra shared these details during a special briefing on the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to the United States and Egypt.
Modi’s state visit to Egypt will take place on June 24 and 25, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations. Kwatra emphasized the significance of this visit, stating, “This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to Egypt, and I must also mention that this will be the first official bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt since 1997.” Although there have been intermittent visits between the two nations, they have primarily focused on multilateral or plurilateral events.
Upon his arrival in Cairo on June 24, Modi will commence his visit by meeting with the India unit, a select group of high-level ministers formed by Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi following his return from India. Kwatra highlighted the recent state visit of the Egyptian President to India as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day earlier this year.
Following the interaction with the India unit, Modi is scheduled to engage with the small Indian community residing in Egypt and is likely to meet prominent personalities in the country. The next day of his visit will begin with a visit to the Al-Hakim mosque, an architectural gem dating back to the 11th century, which has been meticulously restored by the Bohri community. This will be followed by a solemn visit to the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery, where he will pay tribute to Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for Egypt during World War I.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will have an official engagement with President El-Sisi, including bilateral talks and the signing of various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements. Kwatra highlighted the recent visit of the grand Mufti of Egypt to India and extended an invitation for Egypt to participate as a special guest during India’s G20 presidency.
The Foreign Secretary emphasized the significance of Modi’s visit, which is reciprocating President Sisi’s visit to India just six months ago. He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries and expand avenues of trade and economic engagement.
Modi’s tour of the Al-Hakim mosque, renovated with devotion by the Bohri Muslim community, and his homage to Indian soldiers who fought for Egypt underscore the shared cultural and historical bonds between India and Egypt. The visit is expected to forge closer ties and open new avenues for cooperation in various fields, heralding a new chapter in the bilateral relationship.
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