Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II met Friday Saudi King Salman, in the first meeting of its kind, as the Saudi monarch continues a five-day visit to Cairo, state news agency MENA reported.

During the meeting, Tawadros expressed his gratitude for Saudi support of Egypt, emphasising the depth and strength of Egyptian-Saudi relations throughout history.

The Coptic pope also emphasised that religion is a relationship between man and god, and that all religions call for tolerance and coexistence.

Tawadros also expressed his appreciation for the care of the Saudi kingdom towards all Egyptian workers in the Arab Gulf country.

This is the first ever meeting between the head of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox and a Saudi monarch.

The meeting took place at the king’s residence in Cairo.

Salman, who arrived in Cairo Friday,  has signed a number of economic accords, including the framework for a number of loans signed in March, worth over $20 billion.

The king is expected to give a speech in front of Egypt's parliament Sunday.