Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Monday wrapped up a landmark five-day visit to Egypt. His signing of multi-billion-dollar investment deals during his visit sent a clear sign of support for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Salman said the two countries should work together on fighting extremism and terrorism. The 80-year-old monarch's visit aims to keep Cairo under its aegis while remaining engaged in several conflicts in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is also competing with Shiite Iran for regional supremacy.

Experts say although Saudi Arabia's support is important to confront Egypt's economic crisis, what Cairo needs is more political stability and security to attract tourism and foreign direct investments.