President El-Sisi Strengthens Ties With Malaysia and Indonesia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi concluded an Asian tour with state visits to Malaysia and Indonesia on October 10–11, 2026. In Malaysia, El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to expand economic collaboration in semiconductors, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. This visit, the first by an Egyptian president to Malaysia in nearly three decades, followed a 74.7% increase in bilateral trade this year. The leaders also discussed Middle East tensions and the Strait of Hormuz, with El-Sisi emphasizing that diplomatic tracks and international law are the only way to resolve regional crises.

Following the Malaysian leg, El-Sisi traveled to Jakarta, Indonesia, for the final stop of his tour. He met with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace to implement a strategic partnership action plan and sign memoranda of understanding covering fisheries, visa arrangements, and statistical cooperation. This visit served as a reciprocal gesture following Subianto's trips to Egypt in 2024 and 2025.

Economic data highlighted a growing but imbalanced trade relationship with Indonesia, reaching USD 1.6 billion in the first eight months of 2026. While imports from Indonesia rose to USD 1.5 billion, Egyptian exports to Indonesia declined to USD 66 million. The tour also included a visit to South Korea before the diplomatic engagements in Southeast Asia.