President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who is on a State Visit to Egypt, met Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail today. President Tan and Prime Minister Ismail reaffirmed the warm and longstanding ties between Singapore and Egypt. Prime Minister Ismail briefed President Tan on Egypt’s economic development plans and reform programmes. He welcomed investments from Singapore companies in various sectors such as port and logistics, water desalination, Information, Communications and Technology, as well as urban solutions. President Tan said that there was scope to strengthen economic relations as Singapore companies explore opportunities in Egypt.   
 

President Tan also met the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al Tayyeb yesterday. President Tan expressed Singapore’s appreciation for the continued support by Al Azhar for the welfare of Singaporean students. President Tan noted the important role played by Al Azhar University in training Singaporean Muslim leaders. President Tan and Grand Imam Al Tayyeb had a useful exchange of views on countering religious extremism and the importance of promoting inter-faith dialogue. Following his meeting with the Grand Imam, President Tan visited the Al Azhar Observatory for Foreign Languages and was briefed on its work in countering extremist teachings online in nine languages.
 
Later this evening, President Tan will be the Guest-of-Honour at a Graduation Ceremony for Singaporeans studying at Al Azhar University, and a reception for the Singaporean community in Egypt.