WYF opportunities, Saudi Arabia, U.S. top Sisi's interviews

CAIRO – 5 November 2017: Electing the president of Egypt is a right only guaranteed for Egyptians, said President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi during interviews carried out on the sidelines of the World Youth Forum (WYF) Sunday in Sharm El-Sheikh city.

Hours before the forum program begins, Sisi discussed local and regional affairs with CNBC network and the Arabic international newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. Sisi made several remarks on the World Youth Forum, Egyptian economy and tourism, presidential elections and Egyptian relations with both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, according to a presidential statement issued on Sunday.

President Sisi hailed the forum as an “excellent opportunity to build bridges of dialogue and communication among young people from all over the world.”

He also said that the forum is considered an “extension of a series of successful youth conferences held across Egyptian governorates since November 2016 and continued effectively,” during his interview with CNBC.


President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi during an interview with CNBC network on sidelines of WYF held in Sharm el-Sheikh - Press photo


The Egyptian society is constituted of a broad youth base, where more than half of the Egyptian population under 40 years old, according to Sisi.

More than 3,000 participants are flying to the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh to take part in the global event designed to gather youth from around the world under the slogan "We Need to Talk." The forum kicks off Nov.4 through Nov.10.

Speaking about the country’s economic reform program, Sisi stressed “remarkable improvement,” citing relevant international reports evaluating the situation in the country after hard steps taken since Nov. 2016. He also said that the current economic environment is inviting investments to Egypt, especially after the new investment law was issued and served by a suitable legislative framework.

Sisi also cited a “steady improvement” in the Egyptian tourism status after the sector has seen a slump since the events erupted in 2011. The tourism sector is considered the backbone of Egypt’s income.

President Sisi also discussed Egypt-U.S. relations, saying that the American side, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, has been understanding of the challenges Egypt is facing, especially its prolonged anti-terrorism fight.


President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi during an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper on sidelines of WYF held in Sharm el-Sheikh - Press photo

During his interview with the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Egyptian-Saudi relations were one of the topics President Sisi discussed, assuring the “strategic importance” of the relations between both countries in maintaining Arab national security.

“Steps taken by the Saudi Kingdom in different directions reflect wisdom and balance,” he added.