President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attended a ceremony on Saturday evening honouring former minister of defence general Abdel Mageed Saqr.
The event was held in the presence of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence and Military Production Field Marshal Ashraf Salim Zaher, along with senior military leaders.
According to presidential spokesperson Mohamed El‑Shennawy, the ceremony included a documentary highlighting Saqr’s career and achievements during his tenure as defence minister.
In his remarks, Minister Zaher expressed gratitude for Saqr’s dedicated service to the nation, noting that the Egyptian Armed Forces maintain a continuous legacy in which each generation builds on the efforts of those before it.
General Saqr, in turn, conveyed his appreciation to President Sisi and to the military leadership for the honour, and wished Minister Zaher success in his new responsibilities. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding Egypt and serving as a model of discipline and dedication.
President Sisi praised Saqr’s “faithful service and national commitment,” emphasising that members of the Egyptian Armed Forces consistently rise to the responsibilities entrusted to them.
He underscored that the strength of the nation lies in the unity of its institutions and the dedication of its leaders, and he highlighted the military’s role in protecting Egypt’s national security and supporting state institutions in improving citizens’ living conditions and building a better future.
During the ceremony, President Sisi presented General Saqr with the First Class Order of the Republic in recognition of his service. Sisi also approved Saqr’s appointment as Assistant to the President.
The event concluded with a shared iftar meal with senior military commanders.
