President Mohamed Mursi addressed on Friday tourists from Luxor Temple saying that Egypt is safe and ready to receive tourists. The "free revolutionaries" are eager to provide safety and security for every tourist, he added.

Mursi visited Luxor and al-Karnak temples today accompanied by the new minister of antiquities Mohamed Ibrahim, al-Masry al-Youm newspaper reported.

Mursi, a professor of engineering, praised the distinguished engineering mentality of Egyptians from the beginning of civilisation until the January 25 revolution.

Mursi described the tourist kidnapping and assault incidents as "unusual", adding, "We will do all we can to prevent them from occurring and security presence will soon be heavier on the streets. There is nothing to fear and we are happy of your presence among us."

"The post-revolution Egypt is keen on communicating with everyone who comes for a visit and welcomes all its visitors ... We will work hard to ensure you have a happy stay in Egypt."