Hussein Shobokshi
Many words and expressions were used; historical, special mission and other phrases, to describe the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to the Arab Republic of Egypt. But I think that the appropriate word that I would use to describe this mission is “masterstroke.”
Prior to this historical visit, a series of meetings were scheduled every two weeks between the two nations in Riyadh and Cairo to prepare for this great royal visit to Cairo. There is a loud and clear message that Saudi Arabia and Egypt have decided to further extend their mutual relations in order to boost security, stability and development in the region.
A “great surprise” from King Salman came in the announcement about the construction of the King Salman Bridge in order to link the two countries. This is going to be huge economic boost in the region, which will not only benefit the two countries but will also help in improving economic ties between the African and Asian continents.
It is no secret that Saudi Arabia has conducted a number of bilateral agreements with India and China and this proposed bridge project will of course set the course for a free-trade zone in the Sinai region, which has been adversely affected by issues like unemployment and terrorism.
Indirectly, this kind of mega projects will increase the trade in re-export of goods between the African and Asian continents and at the same time will help in defeating terrorism.
In addition, King Salman announced the launching of King Salman University in Sinai, which will also enrich the lives of people in the region.
A package of huge vital and strategic agreements has been initiated between the two countries in the field of housing, education, agriculture and human resources. This royal trip to Egypt has been termed as the biggest royal delegation in the history of Saudi Arabia, which comprises of strong and selective delegates.
To further elaborate on this landmark visit, the Saudi government has proclaimed support and development of the Qasr Al-Aini health facilities, which is considered by the Egyptian people as more important than their Health Ministry and are very much emotionally attached to this prestigious institute.
The same thing can be said about supporting the Al Azhar’s expansion program. Al Azhar is an iconic institute in the Islamic world and this is a very good step, which will help in the serving and development of all.
The Saudi Development Fund will also support the infrastructure development in Egypt and most importantly the electricity power sector.
The Saudi private sector has also appreciated the initiatives of the Saudi government and has launched a series of huge investment programs to establish mega companies which will serve in a variety of sectors, most importantly the companies based in the new Suez Canal, which the Egyptian administration is concentrating on.
The royal visit to Egypt has achieved great “psychological” targets as well, mainly keeping in view the regional and Arab countries, which were seeking to drive a wedge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia by mounting a sustained media campaign in this direction. More importantly it has emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is governed by a new vision of inclusiveness and there are benefits and gains for both parties at all levels, and this in itself is a huge shift in the concept of normal and successful relationship.
King Salman’s visit to Cairo is not only historical but it is a visit of utmost importance due to the number of bilateral benefits established within a short period of time. This trip can be compared to the visit of the founder King Abdulaziz to Egypt and there is no exaggeration in this even if history repeats itself.
