Egypt under Sisi regained African confidence, expressed continent’s ambitions: FM

CAIRO – 2 October 2023: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Egypt has managed over the past years to regain the African confidence under the term of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, adding that the president has always expressed the continent’s ambitions.

Shoukry shed light on Egypt’s foreign policy since President Sisi took office in 2014 in a speech on Monday during the Story of Homeland conference, which highlighted the state’s achievements over the past nine years in all fields.

Sisi has been keen that the Egyptian foreign policy relies on principles of cooperation to achieve stability for Egypt and for regional and international surroundings and to not destabilize states for personal interests.

"It was crucial for the state to formulate a foreign policy that aligns with the vision of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. This policy emphasizes balance and diversity in relationships, avoids polarization, supports regional and international stability, and prioritizes the role of citizens in foreign policy,” Shoukry stated.

He added that the Egyptian foreign policy focuses on economic and developmental aspects and adopts a proactive approach to address emerging challenges and implements effective strategies that meet the requirements of the times.

“However, these are not the only elements,” Shoukry stated, noting that confronting the challenges associated with the pre-2014 situation necessitated having a vision, determination, and willpower.

“Moreover, personally, I was impressed by President El-Sisi's insistence that Egyptian foreign policy should be based on humanitarian and ethical principles rooted in the civilization and religious heritage of this nation,” he stated.

These principles emphasize cooperation to achieve stability, not only for Egypt but also for its regional and international surroundings, Shoukry said, stressing that such principles also include rejecting conspiracies and promoting working for the greater good, without destabilizing others for selfish interests.

In his speech, Shoukry also highlighted Cairo's role in helping resolving regional issues, including the Libyan crisis.

Egypt is also at the forefront of states defending the Palestinian people's rights, he added.

He also spoke about the invitation that Egypt has received to join the emerging economies grouping BRICS, saying that such step contributes to achieving development and improving citizens' lives.

Facing internal difficulties

He also noted that Egypt before 2014 was suffering from internal difficulties amid instability, economic challenges, weakened regional and int'l role, and fierce terrorist attacks.

The Egyptian state was keen to restore international confidence after the 2011 events, which caused Egypt to seem unable to remain as a reliable partner, he added.

The conference is held only two months ahead of Egypt’s presidential elections, slated for December, which Sisi said “will be opportunity for change.”

Egyptians will cast their votes in the 2024 Presidential Elections on 10-12 December 2023 locally, while eligible voters living abroad will vote on 1-3 December.

Tens of political parties and unions have announced support to President Sisi’s potential candidacy, including the parliamentary majority party Mostaqbal Watan, in order for Sisi to continue his development plans.