Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated Egypt’s new Strategic Command Headquarters ‘The Octagon” in the New Capital on Saturday, declaring the facility a landmark that embodies the nation’s role as a force for peace and stability. The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces emphasized that the state remains deeply committed to peace for those who want peace while simultaneously reinforcing national defenses.
The newly opened facility integrates advanced technologies to strengthen comprehensive planning and coordination across all military branches while significantly enhancing overall combat readiness. President El-Sisi described the modern installation as a qualitative leap for the state infrastructure and a living embodiment of Egypt’s emerging New Republic.
Sovereign Borders Form Absolute Red Line Protected by Collective National Will
The president delivered a firm warning regarding national security, stating explicitly that Egypt’s borders represent a red line protected entirely by the will of its people. He maintained that protecting the homeland is a sacred responsibility that tolerates no negligence and promised that the state will never allow any harm to befall the capabilities of its citizens.
President El-Sisi ordered the playing of the Martyrs’ Salute during the ceremony, honoring the sacrifices of fallen service members on a historic day the nation will never forget. He referenced Egypt’s long-standing regional experience as the first Arab nation to conclude a peace treaty with Israel, noting that this legacy continues to guide its strategic vision for resolving Middle Eastern conflicts.
National Celebration Extended to Rejuvenated Football Squad Following Shootout Victory
The president initiated his official address by extending warm congratulations to the public regarding the Egyptian national football team’s historic performance at the World Cup. He celebrated the squad’s recent success on the pitch as a beautiful milestone, reflecting a period of national joy following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Australia.
The head of state concluded his remarks by framing the massive command headquarters as a lasting testament to a resilient nation that recognizes no impossible obstacles. The secure facility is now fully operational to oversee all strategic military coordination and safeguard the sovereign interests of the republic.
President Sisi’s Speech
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds.
Allow me to request that the Martyr’s Anthem be played, for this is a momentous day in Egypt’s history.
First, allow me to express my greetings and pride, and to congratulate the people of Egypt on the Egyptian national team’s victory in the World Cup and the historic achievement they have attained.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds.
I begin my remarks by praising God Almighty, by whose grace we stand today to announce the inauguration of the State Strategic Command, this towering national edifice, which rises in the heart of our new capital, a testament to the will of a nation that knows no impossible.
The choice of the new capital as the headquarters for this edifice was not a coincidence, but rather a living embodiment of the pillars of the new republic. The State Strategic Command represents a qualitative leap in the command, control, and operations management system, possessing advanced technological infrastructure, secure communication systems, and superior capabilities in information gathering and analysis. It connects leadership and executive levels within a unified framework, achieving the highest levels of integration, accuracy, and rapid response.
This command is not only concerned with managing military situations, but is also a fundamental pillar in the state’s ability to confront challenges and exceptional circumstances according to a comprehensive vision and advanced systems that place the nation’s security and stability above all else, keeping pace with a world where changes are accelerating at an unprecedented rate.
The strategic leadership has emerged to embody a firm belief that protecting the homeland is a responsibility that brooks no compromise, that deterring anyone who dares to infringe upon Egypt’s security and sovereignty is a sacred duty, that Egypt’s borders are a red line protected by the will of its people and safeguarded by the men of its armed forces with their competence and capability, and that the state will never allow any harm to come to its people’s resources, while remaining committed to peace for those who desire it, and bowing only to God Almighty.
This inauguration coincides with the anniversary of the glorious June 30th Revolution, a revolution in which the great people of Egypt demonstrated the highest ideals of national will when they rose up in defense of Egypt’s authentic identity and reclaimed it from the hands of extremists and terrorists who sought to drag the nation into the clutches of chaos and infighting, and to implement destructive, exclusionary agendas that bring nothing but bloodshed and ruin.
The June Revolution was a cry for justice and a resounding declaration that Egypt can only be governed by the will of its people, and that this proud nation is capable of protecting its state and safeguarding its future, no matter how great the challenges.
On this momentous occasion, I extend my deepest respect and admiration to the great people of Egypt, who have demonstrated throughout history their profound awareness, unwavering understanding, and constant commitment to protecting the homeland and preserving its stability, sacrificing everything precious for this cause.
I also salute our martyrs, our valiant armed forces, and our civilian police, who have been and remain the backbone of the people and the guardians of their resources. Together, they waged a fierce battle against terrorism in defense of Egypt’s land and interests, and on behalf of the region and the entire world, which would undoubtedly have been affected by this insidious terrorism had Egypt not triumphed over it and eradicated it completely.
Dear sons and daughters of Egypt,
the June 30th Revolution was a revolution against terrorism and extremism, and it is also a revolution for construction and modernization, a revolution of the people to realize their dream of establishing the new republic, a modern Egypt: industrialized, agriculturally advanced, attractive to investments, a leader in education, health, services, and the training of specialized personnel, and, in general, a state worthy of Egypt’s rich history and deserving of its rightful place among nations.
From the very first day of assuming responsibility, I refused to allow any disruption to the development and construction process. I resolved to press forward with the modernization drive, alongside the fight against terrorism, without delay or retreat, so that Egypt would continue its journey towards the future without delay, making up for some of what we have missed on the path to progress.
O great people of Egypt,
we are working with all our strength, determination, and resolve to build a modern state. This is an ongoing process that requires sacrifices and efforts from everyone. Solidarity and hard work are the only way to progress; the alternative is backwardness and decline, in a regional environment fraught with challenges and ambitions.
We have faced successive exceptional crises, beginning with the repercussions of the events that Egypt witnessed between 2011 and 2014, then the war on terror, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the repercussions of the Ukrainian war, the war in Gaza, and finally the war in Iran.
These crises have resulted in significant losses. These include, for example, the loss of more than ten billion dollars in Suez Canal revenues due to attacks on ships in Bab el-Mandeb, as well as rising energy and food prices, disruptions to supply chains, and waves of millions fleeing to Egypt, which has been and will remain a safe and stable haven in a turbulent region.
Despite this, Egypt has exerted strenuous efforts to stop wars and de-escalate tensions, and has strived to prevent further bloodshed.
Here, I reiterate my appreciation for US President Donald Trump, whose efforts resulted in the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement to end the war in Gaza and his subsequent success in reaching an agreement to end the war with Iran. I emphasize the necessity of supporting these agreements, insisting on their full implementation, and preventing any attempts to undermine, circumvent, or weaken them.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Egypt… With its insightful vision and unparalleled historical experience in regional affairs, and as the first to conclude a peace agreement with Israel at a time of deep-seated hostility, Egypt affirms that the fundamental solution to the conflicts in the Middle East lies in reaching a comprehensive and just peace agreement that resolves the Palestinian issue, establishes a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law.
There can be no lasting peace, no genuine stability, and no popular normalization without a just peace that ends the occupation, puts an end to injustice and aggression, restores rights to their rightful owners, provides security for all, and grants the peoples of the region the opportunity to live in stability and prosperity, ushering in a new era of cooperation and flourishing, and a better future that our peoples deserve.
O great people of Egypt,
I renew my pledge to you that great Egypt will continue, with unwavering determination and an unbreakable will, to complete the journey of construction and development, and to establish the foundations of a modern state, as a firm and unshakeable strategic choice. In a few days, we will witness the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the second nuclear unit at the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, a key strategic partnership project with the Russian Federation.
This plant will have a significant positive impact on sustainable development by providing clean energy for investment projects and essential services for citizens. I take this opportunity to thank Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for their ongoing and constructive cooperation, which has led to remarkable achievements in major development projects.
The people of Egypt are well aware of the burdens borne by the Egyptian citizen, and they understand that improving their standard of living and alleviating their suffering remains a top priority for the state, and the primary consideration in every decision.
Together, we have faced exceptional challenges in recent years, and we have all shouldered the responsibility of preserving our nation in extremely delicate and complex circumstances. Today, as we approach a new phase, the progress achieved in building and reform compels us to continue the journey with the same level of responsibility and wisdom to reach our goal.
I emphasize the importance of officials opening direct channels of communication with citizens, listening attentively to their opinions, and providing them with accurate information so that the vision is objective and based on verified data. Here, I confirm that I have issued specific directives to the government on a number of matters, as follows:
First, to open the door to objective media dialogue that includes diverse viewpoints, to enrich the discussion and build awareness, within a framework of respect and understanding. In this regard; The Minister of State for Information, in coordination with relevant media and press bodies, is directed to convene an annual meeting, tentatively on December 3rd of each year, under the auspices of the President of the Republic, to review the state of Egyptian media, discuss challenges and opportunities, and develop practical recommendations for its continuous improvement.
Secondly, efforts will be made to revitalize political party life, train political and youth leaders, and finalize preparations for local council elections in a way that strengthens popular participation and enhances its role in local governance.
Thirdly, the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority, in coordination with the Ministries of Agriculture and Supply, will prepare a national program to reduce the cost of living by expanding outlets and permanent markets and regulating supply chains to contribute to the stability of basic commodity prices.
Fourth, Preparing a comprehensive national economic program, to be implemented following the completion of the economic reform program with the International Monetary Fund, so that it becomes a purely Egyptian program. This program will build upon the reforms already achieved and move the economy from a phase of stabilization to one of sustainable growth, directly improving the standard of living for citizens and strengthening the Egyptian economy’s ability to cope with changes and achieve comprehensive development.
Fifth, Expediting the implementation of the next phase of the program for the withdrawal of state entities and institutions from economic activities that the private sector can manage efficiently, while fully adhering to the principles of transparency, equal opportunity, and competition, and enhancing the private sector’s role in leading growth and investment.
Sixth, All relevant state bodies must take more decisive measures to combat corruption in all its forms, strengthen the governance, transparency, and accountability system, and expand digital transformation to ensure the protection of public funds and entrench the principles of integrity and efficiency in state institutions.
Seventh, Continuing to develop the education system based on merit and excellence, linking educational outcomes to labor market needs, and expanding the discovery and nurturing of talented individuals to ensure the development of generations capable of competing and innovating in various fields.
Finally – Developing a plan to restructure the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority to focus on productive activities, while simplifying establishment, financing, and licensing procedures, and increasing youth participation in economic activity.
In conclusion, I salute the proud people of Egypt, with their strong will and firm awareness, and I renew my greetings to our righteous martyrs, our valiant armed forces, the sword and shield of the nation, our civil police, and all state institutions, which bear the responsibility of protecting the homeland and shaping its future, so that Egypt may always remain an impregnable fortress, a firm pillar of security, and a shining beacon of goodness and prosperity.
It is important to remember on this day, in some detail, the events of 2011 leading up to June 30th. God willed to protect Egypt, and it was God who inspired the people to rise up and inspired us all to take certain actions to protect Egypt. On one occasion, the Supreme Constitutional Court, the People’s Assembly, and the Ministry of Defense were besieged to exert pressure and force the management of any crisis under duress and fear, so that decisions would cause great harm to our country.
Therefore, it was necessary for the government to relocate from the capital to ensure that this would not happen again. The evildoers and terrorists will not stop, and no one can repeat this in Egypt. However, they will devise other ways to harm Egypt, which requires us to act with sincerity towards our country so that God may help us in these difficult circumstances.
God Almighty is the protector of Egypt, and we must also take the necessary precautions. I was keen to mention this to clarify the importance of having a new capital where all state institutions would be located within the new republic.
God Almighty is the one who bestowed upon us the idea and its implementation. I always recall the events of 2011 and repeat them because God Almighty saved Egypt, while other countries have gone through similar circumstances since 2011 and are still suffering from their effects. In 2011, the dollar was worth six Egyptian pounds, and now it’s worth fifty.
The country lost 450 billion dollars, and we are all paying the price. I say this so that every official, intellectual, media figure, thinker, and young person understands the danger of any action that doesn’t improve people’s lives but rather harms them. I tell my colleagues in the government the importance of speaking to the people with complete clarity.
After that, we entered the war on terror, incurring billions of pounds and hundreds of martyrs and wounded from the army, police, and judiciary both Muslims and Christians, in addition to the damage to mosques and churches. I remind you of this so that we can learn from these lessons and not repeat these mistakes.
I congratulate the armed forces, the civilian police, and the Egyptian state on this auspicious day, and I hope that we will work diligently and sincerely in all sectors.
O Lord, all praise is due to You as befits the majesty of Your countenance and the greatness of Your dominion.
O Lord, bestow upon us Your generosity and bounty. You have honored us, dignified us, and comforted us. Bestow upon us goodness, blessings, and Your gracious protection.
May you all be well every year.
And by God, the Most High, the Almighty:
Long live Egypt, long live Egypt, long live Egypt.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
