Norwegian news bureau NTB noted how Al Sisi first won power through a state coup 10 years ago. He secured a third term last year after an election that allegedly gave him 89.6 percent of the vote. Since most of his political opponents have been jailed, NTB noted, the elections that have secured Al Sisi’s power have been branded by the country’s opposition as a farce. His visit came on the very day that another controversial Middle Eastern leader in Syria, Bashar Al Assad, fled a coup in his own country last weekend that suddenly and surprisingly toppled his own authoritarian rule.

Because of Egypt’s geographic location and its earlier agreements with Israel, though, Al Sisi’s administration continues to play what the Norwegian foreign ministry called “an important role in several processes for peace and conflict resolution, especially in the Middle East.” The ministry said the visit, which came right after Al Sisi also visited Denmark, would “among other things” offer an opportunity “to discuss the possibility for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the uneasy situation in the Middle East, war in Sudan and Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

The ministry further stated in a press release just before Al Sisi’s arrival that “cooperation between Norway and Egypt over the green shift, current UN issues and human rights would also be on the agenda.”

Norway has also had diplomatic relations with Egypt since 1936, and a long tradition of trying to trying to help broker peace in the Middle East. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre thus invited Al Sisi to “a working lunch” at Norway’s official guest house on Monday and said afterwards that they’d had “a good meeting.”

Støre said that “the situation” in the Middle was “central” to their talks, “not least the dramatic development in Syria the past few days.” The Norwegian prime minister claimed that both Norway and Egypt were most concerned about “the need for a peaceful transition for the Syrian people and in regards to stability in the region.”

The lack of stability as Israel continues to attack not only Gaza but now Syria as well remains a serious issue, with Støre claiming that Norway and Egypt were “closely cooperating.” Støre, a former foreign minister and diplomat, also claimed that Norway “values Egypt’s work for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and for more humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.” Both countries also agree on furthering efforts for a two-state solution and “a political solution for Palestine,” Støre stated.

Both Norway and Egypt continue to also be concerned over the “humanitarian crisis” in Sudan. “Egypt has taken in a large number of refugees from Sudan and has, like Norway, engaged itself in finding a end to the conflict in Sudan.” He added that Norway was also boosting it support for Palestinian refugees in Egypt and those from Sudan.

Støre claimed that he also took the opportunity “to express concerns over the human rights situation in Egypt itself, not least the violations of civilian and political rights. I think we were heard, and that there is willingness for dialogue, also about human rights.”

Al Sisi was also granted a brief audience with King Harald V, as leaders are during official- and state visits, before he was taken to Parliament and later had dinner with Crown Prince Haakon. On Tuesday,when Støre and other Norwegian leaders attended the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, Al Sisi met with some Norwegian business leaders, to discuss renewable energy and production of “green fuels.”

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