Sisi: Necessity of Joint Efforts by All Parties to Work Towards Peace and Adherence to International Law

Khadija Hamouda: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi affirmed that relations between Egypt and Malaysia are based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation across various fields.

During a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, President al-Sisi expressed his pleasure at his visit to Malaysia and the warm reception and hospitality extended by both the King of Malaysia and the Prime Minister, extending his gratitude for the opportunity to visit this great country and for the gracious invitation from the Malaysian Prime Minister. He renewed the invitation for the King of Malaysia and the Prime Minister to visit Egypt at the earliest opportunity, adding that the meetings, which received extensive media coverage, reflected the depth of understanding, trust, and political will to develop cooperation between Egypt and Malaysia in all fields.

He added, “The Prime Minister of Malaysia is a highly charming and impressive figure, and we hold him and his great country in the highest esteem.” He continued, “The level of understanding, readiness, and will demonstrated by the Malaysian Prime Minister’s side and by myself personally confirms our commitment to developing relations across various sectors.”

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated that Egyptian-Malaysian relations have always been founded on mutual respect and constructive cooperation in diverse fields, expressing his appreciation to His Majesty the King of Malaysia and the Prime Minister for conferring upon him the Order of the Crown of Malaysia. He emphasized his deep gratitude for this esteemed honor, which reflects the profound ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President al-Sisi stated that the talks reflected the shared understanding, readiness, and political will of both sides to develop bilateral relations across various fields. He added that the joint committee, which both sides agreed to convene during the first quarter of next year, will provide an important opportunity for officials of both countries to discuss all issues addressed during the extensive talks, as well as any topics that may arise later, thereby contributing to advancing cooperation across various sectors.

The President noted that the leadership of both countries plays a key role in facilitating procedures and encouraging cooperation between the two sides, helping to achieve common goals. He affirmed that both countries aim to open new horizons for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, thereby serving their interests and enabling the optimal utilization of the potential and capabilities each possesses.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated that each country possesses diverse potential and capabilities, and that the complementarity of these assets, underpinned by strong political will and sincerity from officials, will yield better outcomes for both nations. He clarified that priority areas for cooperation include new and renewable energy, industry, electronics, telecommunications technology, agriculture, and food industries.

In his remarks at the press conference with the Malaysian Prime Minister, President al-Sisi highlighted the importance of preparing and training preachers and scholars to promote concepts of moderation and religious balance. He explained that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, a venerable religious institution, has been fulfilling this role for centuries, hosting students from various countries around the world, including Malaysia.

He expressed Egypt’s pride in Malaysian students studying at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, noting their excellence and brilliance. He affirmed that Egypt is proud of them and of all who come to benefit from its educational and scientific expertise, emphasizing that qualification and education efforts are not limited to new students but also encompass scholars and working preachers.

Regarding regional and international developments, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that the talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim provided an opportunity to exchange views on the rapid developments on both the international and regional fronts.

He pointed to the agreement on the importance of de-escalation and prioritizing diplomatic solutions to resolve various crises, thereby contributing to achieving peace and supporting development for countries and peoples. President Sisi stressed Egypt’s continued vigorous efforts to halt escalation in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for all parties to pool their efforts to establish peace and adhere to the rules of international law, particularly those concerning respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.

He added that he discussed the Palestinian issue with the Malaysian Prime Minister, considering it one of the most important issues in the region and the world, and stressed the necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive settlement for it, in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy and on the basis of the two-state solution, which would guarantee the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He praised Malaysia’s supportive stance toward the Palestinian cause and its commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, as well as offering medical support and care to Palestinian wounded who were received by Malaysia for treatment. He noted that he discussed with the Malaysian Prime Minister developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, emphasizing the importance of reaching comprehensive political settlements as the only means to end the crises affecting the region.

He affirmed full consensus with the Malaysian Prime Minister on various regional and international issues, stressing that political and diplomatic tracks, along with respect for international law, represent the best means to address and resolve crises.

At the conclusion of his remarks, President Sisi expressed his pleasure at meeting Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, reaffirming his hope for closer cooperation between the two countries, which would serve their shared interests and benefit the Islamic Ummah. He also conveyed his best wishes to Malaysia and its brotherly people for continued prosperity, stability, and progress.