Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stated that Egypt is persistently engaging in mediation efforts to halt the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, cautioning that the continuation of the war will impose a significant toll on the region.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Sisi delivered these remarks during an iftar banquet at the Egyptian Military Academy. The event was attended by key figures including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Defense and Military Production Ashraf Salem Zaher, Army Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa, senior military leaders, ministers, media figures, as well as cadets from the academy and other military colleges.
The president emphasized the primary goal of the Egyptian Military Academy, which is the development of individuals who are balanced and capable. He highlighted that approximately 8,000 cadets are currently enrolled and noted the state's substantial efforts to enhance education at all levels, including the establishment of new private and national universities.
Sisi mentioned that the academy's programs are crafted with insights from experts in sociology and psychology, aiming to create effective strategies for preparing future leaders. He expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback received regarding the academy's programs and announced that a new class of students had been accepted this year into the Armed Forces College of Medicine due to familial requests.
He reiterated that the selection process for students at the academy is strictly merit-based, ensuring fairness and competence without favoritism. Sisi also pointed out that the programs incorporate lessons learned from Egypt's experiences since 2011, with the objective of assembling professionals from various institutions to form qualified cadres capable of building the Egyptian state and safeguarding its resources for future generations.
In relation to regional developments, Sisi stated that Egypt has actively sought to prevent the escalation of conflict, noting that wars result in destruction and negatively impact the interests of peoples and nations. He reaffirmed Egypt's ongoing mediation efforts to resolve the conflict.
He further remarked that wars often arise from misjudgments and acknowledged the challenges and criticism Egypt has faced in recent years. He indicated that patience has been a strategic response, proving effective and applicable in interactions with certain countries.
Addressing the Egyptian public, Sisi urged citizens to exercise responsibility and stay informed. He warned of potential price hikes amid the current crisis and disclosed that he has ordered a study on the possibility of referring price manipulators to military courts.
He emphasized that exploiting the situation for price manipulation is unacceptable, as the country is in a near-emergency state. Sisi concluded his address by reassuring Egyptians with the words, "Rest assured, by God's grace we are well," and completed his visit by participating in Isha and Taraweeh prayers at the mosque of the Egyptian Military Academy.