
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi with a number of journalists and media personalities and the head of the State Information Service.
President El-Sisi met with journalists and media figures at the Strategic Command Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. According to a presidential statement, El-Sisi emphasised that "the cohesion and unity of Egyptians is the most crucial factor in preserving the state."
He reflected on Egypt's recent challenges in implementing economic reforms and achieving development, asserting that "we are on the right path," as evidenced by growing international confidence in Egypt's economy. El-Sisi highlighted the government's focus on localising industry to reduce import dependency and foreign currency demands. He acknowledged significant progress in reforms while noting that challenges remain, which the government is working to address in building a resilient state.
The meeting also covered regional developments, including the Gaza conflict and Egypt's efforts to mediate a ceasefire, facilitate hostage exchanges, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. Discussions extended to ongoing crises in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen, where Egypt actively engages in conflict resolution efforts.
Regional Issues
Several journalists and media figures who participated in the meeting shared the key points discussed with President El-Sisi.
Majed Mounir, the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram newspaper, mentioned in an interview with the "Extra News" channel that President El-Sisi highlighted the significant role of the Egyptians in overcoming challenges, which has contributed to the country's stability, particularly in the context of "necessary economic reforms."
In a post on his official account on X (formerly Twitter), TV host Ahmed Moussa shared that El-Sisi emphasised that the region faces significant challenges that could jeopardise its people's future.
El-Sisi also noted, according to Moussa, that prolonged instability in the Middle East could result in "new waves of refugees and the escalation of terrorism," with serious consequences for the region and the wider world.
The Egyptian president called for the preservation of Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and citizens' security and urged the start of an inclusive political process.
Moussa further mentioned that El-Sisi reaffirmed Cairo's readiness to be involved in the reconstruction efforts in Syria.
El-Sisi also reiterated Egypt's strong opposition to the Israeli army's seizure of the buffer zone, considering it an occupation of Syrian territory and a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, Moussa said.
Similarly, Al-Shourouk newspaper reported El-Sisi as saying that Egypt has kept in contact with the new US administration, emphasising the mutual trust between the two nations.
El-Sisi added that the US respects and values Cairo's views and reiterated that Egypt will continue its efforts to address key issues, including those related to Gaza, Sudan, and Syria.
Domestic and Strategic Priorities
According to the Egyptian presidency, the meeting with journalists and media personalities also touched on water security as a top priority and an existential issue for Egypt.
El-Sisi reiterated the country's efforts to secure a binding legal agreement with Ethiopia on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), stressing that these efforts have been unsuccessful due to Ethiopia's intransigence and lack of political will. He described any reduction in Egypt's Nile water share as an unacceptable existential threat.
Regarding the Strategic Command in the New Administrative Capital, El-Sisi clarified that it symbolises leadership across all state sectors, not just the military.
He also noted that relocating to the new administrative capital "did not cost the state a single pound."
Short link: