Saudi Crown Prince visit to potentially bring in fresh investments, sovereign bonds rally ahead of visit

Saudi state media confirmed the Crown Prince's departure for Egypt, though further details about the discussions have not been disclosed.

By: Business Today Egypt

Tue, Oct. 15, 2024

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MbS, is set to arrive in Cairo some time today for discussions with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi focused on trade and investment, as well as regional crises in Lebanon and Gaza, according to governmental sources.

Saudi state media confirmed the Crown Prince's departure for Egypt, though further details about the discussions have not been disclosed.  

The crown prince's visit comes amid growing speculation about new significant Saudi investments in Egypt, particularly as Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revealed in September that Saudi Arabia is seeking to invest in the country.

PM Madbouly stated that, via Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the country would inject a fresh $5 billion investment into Egypt as part of the first phase of a broader investment program, citing MbS.

The possibility of new Saudi investments has positively impacted Egypt's financial markets, with sovereign dollar bonds rallying on Tuesday. Longer-dated maturities saw the most significant gains, highlighting investor optimism in the wake of this potential financial partnership.

The talks between MbS and Sisi are expected to not only enhance bilateral relations but also provide support to Egypt’s economic recovery efforts.