Egypt’s leader makes snap Saudi visit as economic woes mount

Egypt’s leader makes snap Saudi visit as economic woes mount

April 3, 2023

— Riyadh (AFP)







Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler on a brief visit late on Sunday, state media said, as the North African country grapples with severe economic difficulties.

Sisi was greeted at Jeddah airport by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was waved off again several hours later by the 37-year-old, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Few details were given about the meeting, but import-dependent Egypt's economic fortunes have plunged since Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent wheat prices soaring, fuelling rampant inflation.

Saudi Arabia, which will host an Arab League summit next month, is also engaging in significant de-escalation in the turbulent region, signalling a return to diplomatic relations with arch-rival Iran after a seven-year gap.

"They discussed developments in the regional and international situation and the efforts exerted in addressing them, in addition to tackling all issues of common concern," SPA said.

Sisi's visit comes after Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said in January that oil-rich Riyadh would stop providing unconditional aid to Egypt, setting off a brief spat between state-linked media in both countries.

The editor-in-chief of a state-owned Egyptian newspaper was forced to apologise to the Saudi people over