Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Aati affirmed that the Foreign Ministry considers outstanding students a national asset and a key pillar in shaping Egypt’s future and advancing the country’s aspirations for development and progress.
Minister Abdel-Aati made the remarks during a meeting late on Monday with Egypt’s top General Secondary Education Certificate (GSCE) graduates from various governorates, organised in co-operation with Al-Gomhuria newspaper.
The meeting was held as part of the Foreign Ministry’s efforts to engage with outstanding students and acquaint them with Egypt’s regional and international role, ahead of their participation in Al Gomhuria’s annual educational trip abroad for top high school graduates.
The meeting was attended by National Press Authority (NPA) Chairman Abdel Sadek El-Shorbagy, Dar Al Tahrir for Printing and Publishing Chairman Tareq Lotfy, and Al-Gomhuria Editor-in-Chief Ahmed Ayyoub.
At the outset of the meeting, Abdel-Aati congratulated the students on their outstanding achievement, stressing that genuine excellence extends beyond academic distinction to encompass the ability to pursue continuous learning, engage in critical thinking and harness knowledge in service of the nation.
The foreign minister also commended Al-Gomhuria’s longstanding national and historic role, recalling his participation in the newspaper’s educational trip in 1983 as one of Egypt’s top high school graduates.
Minister Abdel-Aati underscored the close link between Egyptian foreign policy and the lives and interests of citizens, noting that its scope extends to economic and development issues, including attracting investment and opening new markets in a manner that supports the national economy and creates better opportunities for future generations.
He further highlighted the comprehensive development Egypt has witnessed across various sectors over the past decade under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, noting that these efforts have strengthened the foundations of development and opened new prospects for younger generations.
The foreign minister outlined the main principles and priorities of Egyptian foreign policy, stressing strategic balance, independence of national decision-making and the diversification of partnerships in a manner that safeguards Egypt’s national interests and strengthens its capacity to play an effective regional and international role.
He also elaborated on the concept of comprehensive national security and the role of diplomacy in safeguarding national interests through dialogue, negotiation and mediation efforts.
For his part, NPA Chairman Abdel Sadeq el-Shorbagy expressed appreciation for the co-operation between the Foreign Ministry and Al-Gomhuria in organising the meeting.
He stressed that supporting outstanding students constitutes an investment in Egypt’s future, noting that the national press plays an important role in promoting national awareness among younger generations and familiarizing them with national issues and developments in their regional and international environment.
Board Chairman of Dar Al Tahrir for Printing and Publishing Tareq Lotfy thanked the Foreign Ministry for hosting the top graduates, stressing that their meeting with the foreign minister offered a valuable opportunity to benefit from his extensive diplomatic experience, particularly as he was himself among Egypt’s top high school graduates 43 years ago.
Lotfy underscored that young people are Egypt’s greatest asset and that the country relies on their efforts and capabilities, stressing the importance of equipping them with knowledge and fostering innovation.
Meanwhile, Al-Gomhuria Editor-in-Chief Ahmed Ayyoub said the meeting reflected the newspaper’s commitment to maintaining engagement with younger generations.
He noted that the students represent outstanding models of Egyptian youth, adding that introducing them to the state’s efforts and foreign policy would provide them with broader perspectives on national, regional and international issues.
The meeting featured an interactive dialogue with the students on a number of regional and international issues.
Abdel-Aati urged the students to closely follow international developments, understand their implications and various dimensions and formulate informed views grounded in knowledge and awareness.
He further stressed that the upcoming educational trip organised by Al-Gomhuria would provide the students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons, expressing his confidence that this generation would contribute to strengthening Egypt’s capacity to play an influential role in its regional and international environment.
