Zaher made the remarks during a meeting on Wednesday with combatants from the Third Field Army and the East Canal Counterterrorism Forces, attended by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, senior branch commanders, and other military leaders.
He said defending the homeland is a “sacred duty” requiring constant readiness to face evolving challenges.
Zaher also praised the combatants for carrying out their missions “efficiently and competently,” and highlighted their role in supporting the state’s development efforts in Sinai.
He conveyed greetings from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, expressing appreciation for the troops’ efforts to protect the country, and extended congratulations ahead of Eid Al-Fitr.
Major General Ahmed Mahdi Sarhan, commander of the Third Field Army, said troops remain committed to maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and combat readiness to carry out their missions under all conditions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Egyptian defence minister joined the combatants in Iftar.
Short link: