Sisi: Arab participation in base opening ensures Arab unity

ALEXANDRIA – 22 July 2017: A host of Arab figures participated Saturday in the inauguration of Mohamed Naguib military base in el Hammam city, west of Alexandria.

The Arab delegation included Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Saudi King's adviser Prince Khaled al Faysal as well as Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa.

The event was also attended by Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Mohamed al Khaled al Hamad al Sabah and head of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar.

The base, named after late president Mohamed Naguib, is considered the biggest in the Middle East and Africa.
Northern military zone commander Ali Adel Ashmawy welcomed President Abdel Fatah El Sisi and guests of Egypt in the zone.

He said Armed Forces personnel in the northern military zone have used to boast their unique skills, noting that the president has once been a commander in the zone.
As for states who interfere in the Egyptian affairs, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said these countries will never be able to harm Egypt or regional countries, adding that no country has the right to interfere in other countries' affairs.

He highlighted that there are billions being spent to destroy countries, including Egypt.

Addressing Arab military graduates, he said "we send a message to the world that Arabs join hands to build not to destroy, connive or foment sedition."

He said Egypt is now fighting in two battles; one for countering terrorism and the other for realizing socio-economic development.

Sisi said war tactics have changed and enemies resort to panicking people and spreading desperation in lieu of direct confrontations.

Defense Minister Sobhi then spoke to the gathering.

He welcomed President Sisi and spoke highly of the July 23 Revolution, which was led by Mohamed Naguib, after whom the new military base is named.

The revolution, which took place in 1952, aimed at having a national rule that represented all segments of the Egyptian people, Sobhi said.

It also aimed to establish a strong national army that would maintain State sovereignty, the minister added.
Sobhi said the Armed Forces have always acted to protect Egypt and the Arab world and will always do.

The military is part of the loyal Egyptian people, who are wise enough to tell what is good and what is bad, the minister noted.

The Egyptian people could very well serve as a role model, teaching the world that the future of nations is not determined by those who act under the cover of religion, Sobhi further said.
Sobhi noted that the Armed Forces, in cooperation with police personnel, are waging fierce clashes against the forces of evil, terrorism and extremism that are funded from specific countries and powers.

These countries, he added, use their lands as havens for terrorists in order to undermine the stability of Egypt and the whole Arab region.

On that score, Sobhi greeted the Armed Forces nationwide who sacrifice their lives in order to preserve the country and confront those adopting extremist ideologies.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Sisi said the participation of Arab figures in today's event emphasizes the Arab unity.

Meanwhile, Sisi stressed that Egypt would never allow any interference in its internal affairs, noting that Cairo is waging two decisive battles, namely combating terrorism and achieving economic development.

On that score, the president emphasized that the powers of terrorism and extremism cannot destabilize Egypt or the other Arab countries.