On September 29, 2026, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi convened a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli, the full cabinet, governors, top military and police officials, and a group of local leaders and experts. The meeting took place at the Strategic Command headquarters in the new capital. The President emphasized the importance of regular meetings to exchange ideas and address the country's numerous challenges.
During the meeting, President El-Sisi highlighted the significance of utilizing the country's resources efficiently and maintaining trust in state institutions. He also stressed the need to ensure internal security, particularly in light of various attempts to undermine the state. The President noted that Egypt's experience during 2011-2013 had resulted in economic contraction and that recovery could take up to 15 years.
President El-Sisi pointed out that Egypt has faced significant economic shocks since 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and the conflict in the Gaza Strip. He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to peace, citing the country's historical stance under the leadership of the late President Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat. The President emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains central to Middle East stability and that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace.
The President discussed Egypt's foreign policy priorities, including supporting Arab Gulf states' security and stability and maintaining freedom of navigation in international waterways. He noted that Egypt has lost approximately $20 billion in Suez Canal revenue due to regional instability. President El-Sisi also highlighted the diverse tools used to attempt to harm Egypt, including social media, and stressed the need for the state to develop its capabilities to counter these threats.
The meeting included a discussion with local leaders, including the mayor of Al-Saraya village in Minya governorate, who shared his experiences and initiatives to address local challenges. President El-Sisi praised the mayor's efforts and encouraged similar initiatives nationwide. The President emphasized that Egypt's strength lies in its institutions and the awareness of its people.
President El-Sisi directed the cabinet members to focus on improving public services and addressing long-standing challenges. He also emphasized the importance of education and the need to build a strong, capable, and well-educated population. The President instructed the Interior Ministry to review and reduce the costs associated with vehicle licensing.
The meeting concluded with the President having lunch with students from the Egyptian Military Academy, discussing various topics, including water security, the Ethiopian dam, and artificial intelligence. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to peaceful solutions to regional challenges while emphasizing the importance of protecting the country's interests and people.
Key points
- President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of efficient resource utilization and trust in state institutions.
- The President highlighted Egypt's commitment to peace and stability in the region.
- The meeting addressed various challenges facing Egypt, including economic shocks and regional instability.
