Cairo: Chairman of the State Information Service (SIS) and General Coordinator of the National Dialogue, Diaa Rashwan, delivered a speech emphasizing national efforts in the areas of media freedom and human rights. Rashwan highlighted the role of SIS in promoting media freedom and underscored the National Dialogue's contribution to political and societal participation.According to State Information Service Egypt, Rashwan noted that SIS prioritizes media freedom and foreign journalism, with Egypt hosting approximately 1,000 resident foreign correspondents from 45 countries and 210 international media institutions. Over the last 18 months, SIS has facilitated 105 press delegations, involving 800 representatives from foreign media and production companies. During Egypt's periodic review period, no foreign correspondent faced expulsion or restrictions, enjoying complete freedom in their professional duties without reporting any limitations.Rashwan affirmed that SIS has provided facilities for covering major e vents, such as the 2023 presidential election, attended by 528 correspondents from 120 foreign media institutions. SIS organized media access for more than 70 significant events, including the Cairo Peace Summit and the Egypt-European Investment Conference. Additionally, approximately 150 meetings with foreign correspondents and diplomatic representatives have been held.Diaa Rashwan discussed the National Dialogue initiative, which began in April 2022 at the President of the Republic's invitation. Sixty-five political parties, including opposition parties and various organizations, participated. No parties have withdrawn, and a Board of Trustees, predominantly opposition members, was formed. Decisions are made by consensus, ensuring all-party participation.The General Coordinator outlined that discussions focused on political, economic, and societal areas, led by appointed rapporteurs. Nineteen subcommittees operated with 44 rapporteurs and deputies, mostly from the opposition. The dialogue included 105 p ublic sessions with 7,300 participants and 3,200 speakers.The dialogue produced 136 recommendations submitted to the President, alongside 96 economic recommendations. Special sessions on pretrial detention resulted in 24 recommendations. Several have been implemented, including changes to pretrial detention laws, social protection programs, and 25 presidential pardons. Judicial authorities have released over 1,500 pretrial detainees.Diaa Rashwan emphasized government commitment to the dialogue's recommendations, forming a committee between the government and the Board of Trustees, chaired by the Prime Minister. Seventy-three recommendations were integrated into the current government's program, with 44 fully adopted and 29 partially considered. Government officials and ministers participated in the dialogue sessions.In conclusion, Rashwan stated that Egypt continues to support comprehensive human rights, including media freedom and political pluralism, through progressive legislation and policies aligne d with constitutional and societal needs and international practices.