Cairo: Speaker of Egypt's Senate Essam el Din Ahmed Mohamed Farid asserted that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi chose peace over the power Egypt possesses. He emphasized that Egypt has asserted its standing as a rational regional power that has the capability but chooses wisdom.

According to State Information Service Egypt, in his address following his election as Speaker of the Senate, Farid began by congratulating all members on their election to this esteemed council, whether by winning the public vote or by appointment from the president. He stressed that the Egyptian people and leadership recognize the significance of this historic institution, the oldest parliamentary council in Africa and the Middle East, with a legacy spanning over two centuries.

"There are high expectations for active participation in legislative, parliamentary and political affairs, particularly in light of the current domestic, regional and global circumstances," he said. Farid highlighted that Egypt was rebuilt on a robust infrastructure unprecedented in its history, significantly improving its global rankings in development indicators and the quality of roads and utilities.

He added that this foundation supported growth in agriculture, industry, and trade and has paved the way for improved living conditions, health, education, and technology, all driven by numerous presidential initiatives. Regarding the Senate's role, the speaker underscored the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the council, calling it a "house of legislative and intellectual expertise" for the Egyptian state.

Farid cited Article 248 of the constitution, which mandates the Senate to propose ways to strengthen democracy, including electoral processes, political parties, civil society, political tolerance, women's empowerment, and youth engagement. This may also include proposals to amend laws, based on impact assessments of legislation that affects citizens' fundamental interests, as defined in Article 63 of the Senate's internal regulations.