In his speech at the 70th UN General Assembly debate in New York Monday night, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah implored world leaders to unite in the fight against terrorism.
“Allow me to ask, how many Muslims must fall victim to this abominable extremism and odious terrorism to convince the world that all of us, Muslims and non-Muslims alike are fighting the same enemy, facing the same threat,” asked Sisi.
“How much blood must be spilt before the international community realizes that the plague against which Egypt stands as the first line of defence …that there is no alternative to solidarity among all the peoples of the world to destroy it?”
Sisi referred to the situation in Libya where “extremist powers” have imposed their presence through acts “defying Islam and the values of humanity.”
Sisi also warned against the division of Syria as a result of terrorism.
On the issue of the refugee crisis, Sisi said that “Egypt is hosting an increasing number of refugees” and emphasizes the need to settle disputes and open migration channels.
He stressed that the establishment of the State of Palestine along the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem would eliminate the most important cause of instability in the region.
He referred to Egypt’s “ambitious” Sustainable Development Strategy which targets economic development, improving the investment climate and enhancing human capital by 2030.
Sisi said that the inauguration of the New Suez Canal project “was not only Egypt’s gift to the world but it represents the embodiment of hope.”
Egypt is seeking to run for non-permanent membership in the Security Council for the next two years, as part of its aspiration to achieve international peace.
The Egyptian president arrived in to New York Thursday to head Egypt’s delegation to the UN’s annual summit.
This is the second time Sisi attends the UN General Assembly meetings since his election in June 2014.
Comments (0)