University of Cairo to confer honorary doctorate on King

CAIRO  — The University of Cairo decided to confer an honorary doctorate on King Salman in recognition of his unique role and outstanding contributions in serving Arabism, Islam and Muslims, as well as his support for Egypt and its people. Jabir Nissar, president of the university, said the university council's meeting on Thursday took the decision after considering the King as a prominent global figure who has a profound and remarkable influence on the Arab and international arenas. While highlighting the King’s support to the university, he specially noted that it enabled the institution to start a historic project to develop its hospitals. Egypt’s Grand Mufti Dr. Shawqi Allam hailed the historic visit of King Salman to Egypt. In a press statement, Allam stressed that the visit aims to achieve more coordination and cooperation between the two countries in addressing the challenges facing the Arab region. He also lauded the strong Saudi-Egyptian relations in all fields. Secretary General of the Arab League Dr. Nabil Elaraby stressed the importance of the King’s visit while taking into account of the high status of Saudi Arabia and its vital role in the world. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, he said: "This visit has a special significance as the bilateral summit between King Salman and Egyptian President El-Sisi will figure the most pressing issues related to the situations in the Arab world, as well as the strong relations between the Kingdom and Egypt.” In another development, the Saudi-Egyptian Business Council held its session on Thursday. Addressing the meeting, Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry Tareq Qabil said the strategic relations between the two countries will help realize mutual benefits for both the countries. “We are keen on creating an appropriate atmosphere to develop bilateral relations in all fields and at all levels. The meeting aimed at deepening cooperation and encouraging dialogue between Saudi and Egyptian companies,” he said while urging Saudi investors to make more investments in the Egyptian market and take advantage of the available opportunities. On her part, Minister of Investment Dalia Khorshid said that the government is keen to solve any problems and hurdles facing the Saudi business community in Egypt. “The government gives top priority to further improve the investment climate and continue close interaction with Saudi businessmen and investors,” she added. Abdurahman Al-Zamil, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers, said that Saudi investors consider Egypt as their second market after the Kingdom, and it is an important export center for all the surrounding markets in the Arab, African and European regions. The two-day preparatory meetings of the 15th session of Saudi-Egyptian Joint Committee concluded on Thursday. Ahmad Al-Haqbani, undersecretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry for external trade, led the Kingdom's delegation to the meetings. In his speech, Al-Haqbani highlighted King Salman’s keenness in enhancing relations between the two countries in all fields.