The president's remarks came during the 42nd Cultural Symposium that the Egyptian Armed Forces organised as part of Egypt's celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the October 1973 War Victory. The symposium was held at Al-Manara International Conference Centre in New Cairo.
El-Sisi affirmed that war in the modern era is not only fought with weapons but also "through awareness and knowledge," noting that "the events of 2011 were a form of war that Egypt had faced."
He said that although all indicators at the time pointed to Egypt sliding into civil war, it was God's will that prevented the conflict and saved the country from the fate that befell others in the region.
"Over the past ten years, it is estimated that the financial burden borne by the Armed Forces in fighting terrorism amounts to EGP 100 billion. The army also suffered the loss of several martyrs who fell in the line of duty," President El-Sisi said.
He also noted that in the two or three years following the 2011 events, Egypt's economy lost nearly $450 billion. These losses, El-Sisi explained, had significant repercussions that remain with us to this day.
The president added that many of the details of that period remain unclear to the public due to the complexity and abundance of events at the time.
He emphasised that all credit belongs to God, saying that divine support and protection were the reasons Egypt overcame that critical phase.
El-Sisi urged Egyptians to remember this and not attribute credit to any individual, adding that "no one can stand against God's will.
Economic challenges
El-Sisi stated that Egypt has endured difficult circumstances over the past two years, praising the patience and resilience of its people and reaffirming the state's commitment to deep, long-term economic reform.
He underscored the role of the media and the arts in raising public awareness, spreading accurate information, and protecting the state from misinformation campaigns.
"The attempts to target the state and overthrow it have not ceased," President El-Sisi stressed. He described the events in Egypt in the past two years as resembling those of 1973.
Moreover, the president affirmed that Egypt is already in a state of war as it struggles to overcome challenging circumstances, change reality for the better, secure a better future for generations, and advance economic conditions.
On the economy, the president said he understood the hardships faced by citizens, stressing that all reform measures are designed to achieve "genuine and deep-rooted change, not postponement or avoidance." He added that every government decision is thoroughly studied and taken decisively when required by the public interest.
He pointed out that there is a gap between the country's budget and its resources. To fill this gap, El-Sisi explained, the state had to borrow money with interest and repay it in instalments, which is why the debt keeps increasing.
Furthermore, the president noted that although there is little difference between actual and subsidised fuel prices, loans primarily finance these subsidies, thus accruing further interest and impacting the economy.
He said he was working to resolve deep-rooted challenges that have long impacted the nation.
"I feel the suffering of citizens, as I am one of them," El-Sisi said, expressing confidence that Egypt would overcome its current challenges "through God's will, and through the effort, sincerity, and determination of the Egyptian people."
Gaza agreement
El-Sisi also reviewed Egypt's efforts to end the war in Gaza, facilitate humanitarian aid, and secure the release of captives and detainees.
He said those efforts culminated in a ceasefire agreement and the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace, thanking US President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the war.
He announced that Egypt will soon host an international conference for Gaza's reconstruction and called on citizens to contribute to rebuilding efforts "as an expression of solidarity and responsibility toward the Palestinian people."
El-Sisi directed Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to coordinate with civil society organisations and relevant state bodies to establish a national mechanism for collecting public donations to help finance reconstruction.
The president affirmed that Egypt, which has provided humanitarian and aid support to Gaza, will not abandon it during the reconstruction phase.
He added that those who attacked Egyptian embassies were waging a campaign of lies and malicious slander.
"Should Egypt engage in fighting that wastes its resources and jeopardises its people's future?" he wondered, noting that a moment of conflict can set the country back months or even years.
October victories
During the ceremony, the president honoured 11 veterans of the October War, calling it one of Egypt's most defining achievements.
He praised late President Anwar El-Sadat for his "courage and historic decision" to cross the Suez Canal in 1973 and restore Egypt's national dignity after the 1967 Naksa.
El-Sisi also highlighted other "October achievements" this year, including the end of the Gaza war, Egypt's election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the appointment of Khaled El-Enany as Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
He added that Egypt now looks forward to success in the upcoming vote for the head of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The president reaffirmed Egypt's determination to "overcome challenges and build a bright future for generations to come."
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