Egypt's Ambassador to Portugal Ali el Ashri said that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's visit to Portugal, set for November 21-22, is a "quantum leap" in bilateral relations, particularly in light of the historic political ties between the two countries.

In statements to Al Gomhouria newspaper out Monday, the Egyptian diplomat attached importance to the visit as it is the first by an Egyptian president to Portugal since 24 years and it comes after Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's inauguration.

The visit reflects the great appreciation of the Egyptian political leadership and its crucial role in the Middle East region, ambassador Ashri added.

During his visit, President Sisi will hold talks with the Portuguese president, he said. Sisi will also visit research and technological institutions to stand on Portugal's know-how in renewable and non-renewable energy technologies, he added.

Sisi will also meet with representatives of a number of scientific and academic institutions and the business community in Portugal, the diplomat said.

In 2015, trade exchange between Egypt and Portugal went up by 38 percent to reach nearly 200 million euros, Ashri said, saying the president's visit is an opportunity to increase trade exchange between the two countries.

He further underlined genuine efforts exerted to beef up Egypt's exports, including leather and cotton yarns, which represent 60 percent of Egypt's exports.

Portugal, as a member of the European Union and NATO, takes many stances in support of Egypt.

There is coordination between the two sides to back each country's nominee for international posts, he stressed, citing Egypt's clear stand in support of Portugal's candidate Antonio Guterres for the UN Secretary-General post.

Source: MENA