President Sadat returned to Cairo where he drove to his residence to be welcomed by three and a half million Egyptians. A day after his return he sent a message of thanks to President Katzir in which he expressed the gratitude for the invitation extended to him to visit Israel and for the hospitality. Text:
His Excellency
Ephraim Katzir
President of the State of Israel
Jerusalem
Dear Mr. President
It pleases me following my return back home to extend to Your Excellency, the People of Israel, the Speaker and members of the Knesset, as well as the members of the Israeli government my most sincere appreciation and gratitude for the hospitality accorded me and my delegation during our sojourn in your country.
I would like to avail myself of this occasion to convey, through you, to Mr. Menachem Begin my personal thanks for the invitation he addressed to me to visit your country and the constructive talks we had together with view to achieving genuine peace based on justice.
The audacious step taken by us amounts to an historical turning point in the destiny of our region whose security and stability are closely linked with the security, stability and welfare of the whole world.
Please accept, Mr. President, in my name and on behalf of the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt, my deep thanks and regards.
With my highest consideration and appreciation.
Mohamed Anwar El Sadat