June 20, 2023
3 mins read

Modi to visit Al-Hakim mosque in Egypt

PM Modi will make a State visit to Egypt on June 24 and 25….reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first Egypt tour will visit the 11th-century Al-Hakim mosque. He will also visit the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who made the “supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during the First World War,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said on Monday.

The Foreign Secretary made these remarks while addressing a special briefing on Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to the US and Egypt.

PM Modi will make a State visit to Egypt on June 24 and 25.

Kwatra said, “It is worth mentioning here that this will be Prime Minister’s first visit to Egypt and I might also mention that this would be the first official bilateral visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Egypt since 1997.”

He added that there have been visits in between, but they have mostly been for multilateral or plurilateral events.

Kwatra also said that PM Modi upon reaching Cairo on June 24 will first meet with the India unit, a select unit of high-level ministers that the President of Egypt had constituted after his return from India.

“Most recently, the Egyptian president had paid a state visit to India when he graced our Republic Day earlier in the year as the chief guest. At this stage, the prime Minister is expected to reach Cairo in the afternoon of June 24 where his first interaction will be with the India unit,” the Foreign Secretary said.

He also mentioned that over the last several months since the visit of the President of Egypt, India has seen intense level of ministerial-level political exchanges with Egypt.

“External Affairs Minister himself, the Defence Minister, and the Minister of Environment have travelled to Egypt. We have had, similarly at least three to four ministers from the Egyptian government who have visited India. Even as we speak a ministerial-level delegation led by the chairperson of the Suisse Canal Authority is in India clearly shows you the extent of very sharp focus that both India and Egypt are placing on strengthening all aspects of their relationship,” the Foreign Secretary added.

Speaking further about PM Modi’s visit, Kwatra said Prime Minister will also have an interaction with the small Indian community in Egypt.

“His next day will begin with a visit to Al-Hakim mosque. It is the 11th-century mosque which was refurbished, and renovated by the Bohra community and the visit to Al-Hakim mosque will be followed by a visit to the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during the First World War,” he added.

After this Prime Minister will have an official engagement with the President of Egypt, including bilateral talks with the President of Egypt and the signing of various MoUs and agreements on that day, said Kwatra.

Recalling the recent India visit of the Grand Mufti of Egypt, he said, “Egypt has also been invited as a special guest during India’s G20 presidency.”

Kwatra also noted that PM Modi’s visit is a “very quick, reciprocal visit,” which came just within six months of Egypt President Sisi’s visit to India.

“We do expect and are confident that the visit of PM Modi to Egypt will not just ensure continuing momentum to the relationship between our two countries, but will also help it expand to new areas of trade and economic engagement between our two countries,” Kwatra said.

Prior to his Egypt visit, PM Modi will visit the United States at the invitation of President Joe Biden. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UN HQ gears up for Modi-led Yoga Day celebrations

Previous Story

Diwali could soon become federal holiday in US

Next Story

India’s indispensable role to counterbalance China in Asia

Latest from -Top News

Lula Calls for Independent Latin America

The remarks came as Brazil and the United States began thawing relations following the tariffs of up to 50 per cent …reports Asian Lite News Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

IMF warns AI could widen divides

Kristalina Georgieva says artificial intelligence promises growth but risks deepening inequality without preparedness…reports Asian Lite News Artificial intelligence could become a powerful driver of economic productivity but also a major source of

Pope Sails for Peace

The ship’s current and final journey began in Naples and will end in Marseille, the eighth stop….reports Asian Lite News Laughter, music, and a rhythmic dabke dance echoed through the port of

UK backs Egypt-led Gaza stabilisation force

Britain takes an advisory and strategic role in US-backed efforts to establish a UN-mandated international force in Gaza and guide reconstruction plans estimated at £50bn…reports Asian Lite News Britain is taking a

US, China Seek Truce

Tensions appeared to ease following a high-level video call on Saturday between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent…reports Asian Lite News The United States and China have
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India a vital strategic partner: US Senate panel

Menendez also said that when it comes to the bilateral

Guv asks Thackeray to face floor test on June 30

The Governor has convened a one-day Special Session of the