Sisi: No hidden agendas for Egypt; Gulf security is part of its national security

Cairo, Oct 14 (KUNA) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stressed on Wednesday that Egypt harbors no ambitions or hidden agendas toward anyone, and that its priority is safeguarding its borders and national security. In this context, he affirmed that the national security of Gulf states is an integral part of Egypt’s national security, just as Egypt’s national security is an extension of Gulf national security.

During a seminar titled “The Nation of Heroes,” held on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the October victories, el-Sisi added that “Egypt, based on this principle, supports its brothers in the Gulf states and is ready to do everything necessary to de-escalate tensions, secure navigation, and restore stability to the region.” He emphasized that Egypt aims to de-escalate tensions and find a solution to the crisis in the region, thereby supporting the security and stability of its brothers in the Gulf states.

El-Sisi stressed that Egypt’s adoption of the two-state solution stems from a steadfast vision and firm conviction that this path represents the realistic way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region, and to establish a respected Palestinian state and an Israeli state. He noted that “this proposal is not new; rather, it represents the Egyptian vision to achieve stability for generations to come.”

In response to recent statements by an Israeli official regarding Sinai, el-Sisi affirmed that Egypt fought a defensive war to protect its land and fully reclaimed its territories. He questioned whether certain circles within the Israeli side harbor unjustified perceptions or concerns regarding Egyptian ambitions toward them, noting that the peace treaty signed between Egypt and the Israeli side “serves as the governing framework for relations between the two parties, and that Egypt harbors no ambitions toward anyone.”

Regarding the challenges facing Egypt, el-Sisi stressed that preserving national awareness, safeguarding the collective memory of Egyptians, and countering disinformation campaigns and the distortion of facts constitute a shared national responsibility. He warned against attempts to target the state’s stability from within. He emphasized that preserving Egypt and ensuring the continuity of its institutions remains a top priority, alongside continued efforts to achieve development, safeguard national security, and support de-escalation efforts in the region.

He added that the Egyptian state has witnessed attempts at economic reform since 1976, and that it is currently implementing an economic reform program aimed at enhancing its capacities and achieving development. He stressed the necessity for everyone to fulfill their responsibilities in their respective roles to enhance public awareness and clarify the dangers of attempts to overthrow states from within, especially in light of organized campaigns targeting the Egyptian state and seeking to negatively impact its stability and cohesion.

President el-Sisi clarified that confronting these challenges is not the sole responsibility of state institutions, but rather a shared national responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of the state and society as a whole. He pointed out that the rumors and deliberate attempts to distort public awareness and incite public opinion witnessed in recent months fall within the framework of efforts aimed at undermining stability and stirring unrest within the Egyptian state. He warned that subjecting the state to disturbances similar to those experienced in 2011 would have serious repercussions threatening its stability and ability to endure.

In this context, el-Sisi affirmed that the state has a constitution approved by Egyptians, stressing that it will not be tampered with, and warning against meddling in the minds of Egyptians. (End) A.F.F / H.S.S