Sisi commends Sadat for deciding Suez Canal crossing, Egyptian people for persevering in face of challenges
Addressing Armed Forces’ symposium, president recounts losses from 2011 upheavals, cost of war on terrorism
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi revealed on Sunday that Egypt would host an international conference on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip next month.
He called on Egyptians to contribute to the rebuilding process as an expression of solidarity with and compassion for the people of the war-devastated Palestinian territory and with the Palestinian people, in general.
Speaking at the 42nd Armed Forces Cultural Symposium at Al-Manara International Conference Centre in New Cairo, the president instructed the government to coordinate with the civil society and relevant state institutions to establish a national mechanism to raise funds to support Gaza’s reconstruction.
The 42nd Armed Forces Cultural Symposium was held to mark the 52nd anniversary of the October War victory.
Addressing the event, the president reviewed Egypt’s intensive diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to end the war in Gaza over the past two years.
These efforts, he said, culminated in Egypt co-brokering a ceasefire agreement and co-hosting a peace summit in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El- Sheikh.
He extended his gratitude to US President Donald Trump for supporting efforts aiming at stopping the war.
The Egyptian leader revealed that Egypt’s crackdown on terrorist groups in Sinai cost it around 100 billion Egyptian pounds (roughly $2 billion in today’s exchange rate) in the past decade.
He referred to what he described as the “invaluable sacrifices” of army personnel and policemen in the fight against terrorism.
He also commended ordinary Egyptians and the judiciary for backing this national fight against terrorism.
Developments between 2011 and 2014, the president said, inflicted heavy damage on the national economy, costing Egypt a staggering $450 billion.
“These are enormous figures whose repercussions will continue to be felt for many years to come,” the president said.
He paid tribute to the late president Anwar Sadat for taking the “courageous decision” to cross the Suez Canal on the road to liberating Sinai from Israeli occupation.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering resolve to overcome challenges and build a bright, secure future for upcoming generations.
Meanwhile, President Sisi said October as a month bears witness to Egypt’s landmark achievements and unyielding national spirit, from the historic 1973 victory to regional peace and development.
He said this month witnessed several significant milestones, including the cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the nomination of former minister of tourism and antiquities, Khaled el-Anany, to the position of UNESCO Director-General.
He underscored Egypt’s full support for Anany on the road to honouring the commitments of his new international role.
President Sisi also referred to Egypt’s win of membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council this month.
This win, he said, reflects international confidence in Egypt’s balanced policies and constructive role on the global stage.
He also expressed hopes that Egypt would secure the position of Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The president acknowledged the difficult circumstances Egypt faced in the past two years, praising the media and the arts for enlightening public opinion, promoting truth, and safeguarding society against campaigns of misinformation.
He also commended the patience and the resilience ofEgyptian citizens, citing the government’s pursuit of genuine and comprehensive reform.
Overcoming economic challenges, the president said,requires careful planning, decisive implementation, and an aware, united public will.
“The state applies careful thinking and unwavering resolve before taking decisions,” President Sisi said.
He expressed deep empathy for citizens’ hardships,noting that he is aware of the burdens they shoulder, being an Egyptian citizen himself.
The president expressed confidence that Egypt would get over the intricacies of the present with faith, hardwork, and dedication.
He described the events of 2011 as a form of “warfare”, citing the possibility of Egypt sliding into civil war at the time.
“However, divine providence spared our country thisfate that befell other nations in the region,” President Sisi said.
“The same providence helped our country survive the events and recover from this critical period of its history,” he added.
Before addressing the symposium, the president honoured a host of October war veterans and took a photo with them.
