Aimed at inspecting the security measures along the country’s northeastern strategic direction, the visit started with an inspection tour of the forces tasked with securing the Rafah border crossing, the statement noted.

During the tour, the chief of staff stressed that the primary mission of the Egyptian Armed Forces is to safeguard the state's borders in all strategic directions.

“The armed forces are capable of defending the borders of the homeland, generation after generation,” he said.

Khalifa emphasized to the armed forces personnel the importance of being equipped with knowledge and determination and maintaining high physical fitness to execute all tasks with high professionalism.

He engaged in a dialogue with a number of the army personnel, listening to their opinions and inquiries on various topics, according to the statement.

The chief of staff checked on the living and administrative conditions of the army personnel, in addition to the security system along the northeastern borderline.

He also listened to an explanation detailing the work and coordination between all specializations to achieve complete control over the international border around the clock, the statement pointed out.

The chief of staff also had lunch with the forces at one of the points on the international borderline, directing them to be aware of assigned tasks, which depend on high vigilance and the ability to deal with all emergencies.

He thanked the security personnel for their efforts in safeguarding the international border, stressing the confidence of the General Command of the Egyptian Armed Forces in their ability and combat effectiveness.

He also directed them not to succumb to rumours that aim to undermine the Egyptian state, which has endured significant challenges in its war on terrorism until it achieved the security and stability enjoyed by the Egyptian people, in general, and the people of Sinai in particular.

Lieutenant-General Ahmed Khalifa also visited several security points in the city of Rafah, where he conveyed the greetings and appreciation of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Minister of Defence and Military Production General Abdel-Meguid Saqr to the armed forces fighters.

He advised them to maintain the gains of the stable security situation that had been achieved and saluted the souls of the Egyptian army men who sacrificed their lives defending the precious land of Sinai.

“The men of the Armed Forces bear the responsibility of defending the soil of this homeland no matter the cost,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Khalifa visited the Operations Centre of the North Sinai Security Sector, where he followed up on the procedures for imposing control and securing the development projects that are being implemented within the framework of the strategic development plan for North Sinai.

On the sidelines of the visit, he met with the North Sinai governor and the governorate’s security director, discussing means to maintain coordination efforts to serve the aspirations of the people of North Sinai in implementing comprehensive development plans and providing them with a decent life.

The Commander of the Border Guard Forces, the Deputy Chief of Operations of the Armed Forces, the Commander of the Second Field Army, the Acting Chief of Military Intelligence, the Commander of the Special Forces, and several armed forces commanders participated in the inspection tour.