Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi chaired a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Strategic Command headquarters in the new capital. The meeting was attended by senior military leaders, including Field Marshal Ashraf Salem Zahr, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, and Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. The gathering marked the 53rd anniversary of Egypt's victory in the October 1973 war.
During the meeting, President Sisi congratulated the Egyptian Armed Forces on their glorious victory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high levels of combat readiness to defend the nation and protect its interests. He acknowledged the challenging regional and international environment, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among state institutions. The President also praised the efforts of the Armed Forces in implementing their national duties with efficiency and effectiveness.
Field Marshal Ashraf Salem Zahr delivered a speech reviewing the efforts of the Armed Forces in executing their tasks, while Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa presented an overview of the future conscription policy. The meeting also covered recent regional and international developments, with a focus on their impact on Egyptian national security. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces reaffirmed its commitment to performing its national duties, ensuring the protection of the country's borders, and maintaining stability and security.
In a televised address, President Sisi reflected on the significance of the October 1973 victory, describing it as a testament to the power of Egyptian determination and the result of years of hard work and meticulous preparation. He honored the martyrs of the war, reiterating the state's commitment to supporting their families and providing care for the wounded. The President also emphasized the importance of learning from history and applying its lessons to contemporary challenges.
President Sisi acknowledged the economic hardships faced by Egyptian families, assuring them that the state is committed to addressing these challenges and finding fundamental solutions. He emphasized that building a prosperous nation is a collective responsibility and a sacred trust that requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to confront difficulties. The President expressed his confidence in the Egyptian people's ability to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future.
The President also addressed regional and international issues, reaffirming Egypt's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. He stressed the importance of maintaining the sovereignty and stability of Arab states, particularly in the Gulf region, and emphasized Egypt's unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue. President Sisi also highlighted the need to protect freedom of navigation in international waterways and to preserve Egypt's water rights.
In conclusion, President Sisi reiterated the Egyptian Armed Forces' readiness to defend the nation and its interests, while also emphasizing the importance of national unity and cooperation. He expressed his confidence in the Egyptian people's ability to build a better future and to overcome the challenges facing the country. The President concluded by praising the Armed Forces and the Egyptian people, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the nation's security and stability.
Key points
- President Sisi chaired a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Egypt's victory in the October 1973 war.
- The President emphasized the importance of maintaining high levels of combat readiness and cooperation among state institutions to address regional and international challenges.
- President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution, while also highlighting the need to protect national interests and sovereignty.
