[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H. E. Mr. Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt , at the Prime Minister's Office.

First, the two leaders received a salute and attended a ceremony by the guard of honor, and then held a summit meeting. Following this, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony and held a joint press announcement.

Lastly, Prime Minister Abe hosted a banquet at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and said in his address,

“Ahlan Wa Sahlan (welcome). I want to again offer my heartfelt welcome to President El-Sisi on his first visit to Japan.

President El-Sisi’s speech to the Diet today was full of dignity and affection toward Japan. It was a speech that was very much like President El-Sisi, who enjoys cycling as a hobby; one that communicated the refreshing wind blowing out of a renewed Egypt.

The Japan-Egypt relationship, which turned a new page with my visit to Egypt in January of last year, has entered a new stage with President El-Sisi’s visit this time and the release of a joint statement for the grand development of cooperation between our two countries in a wide variety of fields. Today marked my third summit meeting with President El-Sisi, and we were able to hold a meaningful exchange of opinions on a variety of fields, including politics and security. We agreed to further strengthen the Japan-Egypt relationship, which is already active in a wide range of areas, and expand it into new fields as well.

Allow me to give you an example of this. President El-Sisi said that the people of Japan are putting into practice the virtues of the Quran in their daily lives, and praised them as ‘walking Qurans.’ President El-Sisi also expressed great interest in the Japanese-style education that fosters this behavior. The Japan-Egypt education partnership launched during this visit will see the implementation of Japanese-style education in the classrooms of Egypt. I am convinced that the fusing of Japan’s meticulous education system and the people of Egypt, who possess great potential, will give rise to a wonderful generation of young people.

In addition, there is much excitement currently in the field of sports. Osunaarashi, who is in attendance today, is the first ever Muslim sumo wrestler. Osunaarashi is someone who has overcome the challenge posed by Ramadan to compete as a sumo wrestler, and so I hope that he will be able to enjoy tonight’s Japanese cuisine to his heart’s content. I also look forward to the day soon when Osunaarashi will be able to report to the President that he has won a tournament.

To tonight’s banquet, we have invited many leaders who are supporting the invaluable and friendly relationship of our two countries in a variety of fields, including politics, the economy, and culture. It is thanks to all of your support that the Japan-Egypt relationship is what it is today. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you, and my hope that you will continue to work with us toward the further development of this relationship.

It is my heartfelt wish that the visit by President El-Sisi this time will be a great opportunity for the further advancement of the Japan-Egypt relationship.”