Egypt, Montenegro hold historic 1st Summit in Cairo

CAIRO - 20 July 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received today, Monday, President Jakov Milatović of the Republic of Montenegro at Abdeen Palace in Cairo. The visit marks a historic milestone as the first presidential visit between the two nations since diplomatic relations were established following Montenegro's independence in 2006.

The official reception ceremony included an honor guard welcome, the playing of both national anthems, and a joint photo session, followed by a bilateral meeting and expanded talks with the delegations of both countries. President El-Sisi subsequently hosted a luncheon in honor of President Milatović and his accompanying delegation.

President El-Sisi highlighted the unique significance of the visit and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to exploring new horizons for bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sector and trade diversification, leveraging the promising opportunities available in both nations. He also praised the formation of the Parliamentary Friendship Group by the Montenegrin Parliament as a vital pillar for strengthening both official and popular ties.

For his part, President Milatović expressed his delight at visiting Egypt and meeting President El-Sisi, extending his gratitude for the warm hospitality. He affirmed Montenegro's eagerness to develop bilateral relations across various fields of mutual interest, expressing a strong desire to draw on Egypt's expertise in tourism, energy, and infrastructure. Highlighting successful Egyptian investments in Montenegro's tourism sector, President Milatović expressed his country's ambition to expand these investments into other sectors, while also commending Egypt's efforts in managing illegal migration.

The discussions covered a range of pressing regional and international issues. President El-Sisi outlined Egypt's ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieve peaceful solutions to regional conflicts, stressing the need for continued coordination among international partners to encourage the United States and Iran to reach a comprehensive, sustainable agreement.

President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for the sovereignty and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, firmly rejecting any unjustified attacks against sisterly Arab nations.

On the Palestinian cause, President El-Sisi articulated Egypt’s firm stance calling for a just solution based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international legitimacy. He strongly rejected any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land, emphasizing the urgent necessity of reconstructing the Gaza Strip and delivering unimpeded humanitarian assistance.

President Milatović commended the alignment of views between the two nations on international crises, grounded in prioritizing diplomacy and mutual cooperation over conflict or force. He expressed deep appreciation for President El-Sisi’s leadership in promoting regional security and reaffirmed Montenegro’s support for the two-state solution.

Both leaders agreed that this landmark visit marks the beginning of a new chapter of enhanced cooperation and intensive political consultation between Egypt and Montenegro. Closing the summit, President Milatović extended an official invitation to President El-Sisi to visit Montenegro.