On a recent official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh, the Chairman of the Shura Council, held formal discussions with His Excellency Counselor Dr. Heneify Gabali, the Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives. This meeting took place at the House of Representatives in Cairo, reflecting the importance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Counselor Dr. Gabali welcomed Dr. Al Sheikh and his accompanying delegation, commending the ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He emphasized the Kingdom’s pivotal role in the Arab and Islamic worlds and underscored the significance of their ongoing official visits, which enhance parliamentary cooperation between their respective councils.
In response, Dr. Al Sheikh expressed his gratitude to the Speaker for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him. He highlighted the flourishing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, noting the positive developments seen across various sectors that benefit both countries and their peoples. He reaffirmed the importance of bilateral exchanges, which serve mutual interests and facilitate enhanced parliamentary coordination between the two nations during various forums.
The discussions focused on the cooperative relationships between both councils and explored avenues to bolster and enhance these ties. They acknowledged the crucial role of parliamentary friendship committees and delved into several matters of mutual concern.
Following the dialogue, a memorandum of understanding was signed by both leaders, outlining a framework for parliamentary cooperation between the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia and the House of Representatives of Egypt. This memorandum aims to establish an ongoing framework for collaboration, including facilitating the exchange of parliamentary delegations, forming working groups, and fostering close interaction among their members to address parliamentary issues of shared interest. It also proposes mechanisms for exchanging expertise and studies related to legislative processes.
The memorandum advocates for organized interactions at regional and international parliamentary events, collaborating to build the capacity of lawmakers and enhance human resources. Additionally, it outlines plans for joint initiatives, such as conferences, workshops, and seminars on topics like legislation, assisting legislators with law-making processes, parliamentary research, enhancing women’s participation, and improving the technical skills of parliamentarians and their staff. Cooperation is also encouraged in public and parliamentary research and services.
During the visit, Dr. Al Sheikh toured the corridors and historical museum of the House of Representatives and was honored with a luncheon by Speaker Gabali.
The session was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying Dr. Al Sheikh, including Councillors Saad bin Sulaib Al-Otaibi, Aijlan bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan, Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Tawai, Dr. Amal bint Yahya Al-Sheikh, and Dr. Ghada bint Talat Al-Hadhli, along with the Saudi Ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini.
On the Egyptian side, notable attendees included Counselor Ahmed Saad El-Din, First Deputy of the House of Representatives; Professor Mohamed Abou El-Einien, Deputy Speaker of the House; Counselor Ahmed Mena, Secretary-General of the House; and members of the House, such as Dr. Ahmed Gomaa and Dr. Nora Abdel-Sami. Additionally, Ambassador Heba Zaki, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Parliamentary Affairs, was present.
This meeting and the subsequent signing of the memorandum illustrate the commitment of both Saudi Arabia and Egypt to strengthen their parliamentary relationships further, fostering cooperation that benefits both nations and enhances their roles on regional and global platforms.
