PM Modi conferred Egypt’s highest state honour

Tags: International Relations Awards International News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the 'Order of the Nile,' Egypt's highest honor, by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during a ceremony at the Presidential palace in Cairo on 25th June.

An overview of the news

• The 'Order of the Nile' was established in 1915 and is bestowed upon heads of states, crown princes, and vice presidents who have rendered invaluable services to Egypt or humanity. 

• This is the 13th highest state honor conferred upon Prime Minister Modi.

• During the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Egypt in 26 years, India and Egypt elevated their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership' following extensive discussions between Modi and El-Sisi. 

Political and security cooperation

• The talks focused on enhancing political and security cooperation.

• Modi and El-Sisi signed a strategic partnership document, which encompassed various areas of collaboration such as political and security cooperation, defense collaboration, trade and investment ties, scientific and academic exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.

• The two countries signed three more pacts covering agriculture and allied sectors, protection and preservation of monuments and archaeological sites, and competition law.

• Modi and El-Sisi also discussed further cooperation within the G-20 framework, emphasizing issues such as food and energy insecurity, climate change, and the need for the Global South to have a unified voice. 

• Modi extended an invitation to El-Sisi to attend the G-20 Summit in New Delhi in September.

Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque

• Before returning to India, Modi visited Egypt's historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, which dates back to the 11th century. 

• The mosque has been restored with the assistance of India's Dawoodi Bohra community. 

• Modi admired the intricate carved inscriptions on the walls and doorways of the mosque, which was constructed in 1012. 

• Al-Hakim Mosque is the fourth oldest mosque in Cairo and the second Fatimid mosque built in the city.

About Egypt

• Egypt is a country located in North Africa.

• Egypt is home to famous monuments such as the Giza Pyramid Complex. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza are located on the banks of the Nile River. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in 2560 BC.

• Capital - Cairo

• President – Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

• Currency - Egyptian pound