Ashraf Abo Arafe
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s agenda has seen several activities in September at the national and international levels.
At the International level, President Sisi participated for the fourth time in the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The president delivered Egypt’s speech at the UN General Assembly, reviewing the country’s vision on various regional and international issues.
President Sisi also visited China to participate in the BRICS Summit.
President Sisi visited Vietnam on a visit, the first of its kind by an Egyptian president.
At the national level, President Sisi witnessed a conference held by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) to announce the results of the 2017 census.
President’s meetings with officials
September 10: President Sisi met Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, Central Bank Governor Tareq Amer and the ministers of foreign affairs, interior and justice, as well as the heads of the General Intelligence and the Administrative Control Authority. During the meeting President Sisi has directed different to put into effect agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with China and Vietnam during his Asian tour. President Sisi asserted the importance of fostering coordination and cooperation during the coming period with the “BRICS” group of emerging economies, which in turn could help cement bilateral cooperation in various economic and trade fields.
September 16: President Sisi met Prime Minister Sherif Ismail. During the meeting president Sisi issued directives to continue implementing the sustainable economic growth program in a way that contributes to improving economic conditions and people’s living conditions. The meeting also tackled the progress realized so far in several national projects as well as the government’s preparations for the new school year. The meeting also touched on the importance of securing needed quantities of basic food commodities at affordable prices in all outlets across the country.
September 16: President Sisi bestowed the first-class Order of the Republic on counselor Rashida Mohamed Anwar, the former head of the Administrative Prosecution Authority. The president expressed his appreciation for Anwar in view of the devoted efforts she has exerted over years during his term in office.
September 16: President Sisi witnessed the swearing-in of counselor Feriyal Hameed Qotb as the new head of the authority. The president held a meeting with her, during which he underlined the key role played by women in various fields to develop the country.
September 24: President Sisi presided over a meeting with Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, the ministers of defense, interior, justice, finance and supply, as well as heads of General Intelligence Directorate and Administrative Control Authority. The meeting reviewed the strategic stock of basic food commodities in various governorates, as the supply minister stressed that his ministry has a sufficient amount of food stock at affordable prices that can meet the needs of the market in Egypt.
September 30: President Sisi affirmed that Egypt will continue its efforts to maintain human rights and basic freedoms in line with confronting terrorism and protecting its national security from current dangers threatening the region. Sisi made the remarks during his meeting with head of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) Mohamed Fayek.
September 30: President Sisi met Chairman of the New Administrative Capital’s Board of Directors Ahmed Abdeen in Cairo. Sisi stressed during the meeting on the importance of continuing to work hard to complete the ongoing construction work of the new administrative capital according to schedule. The president urged the need to take into account completing the construction work of the new capital in accordance with the highest quality standards and latest modern technology construction equipment, so that the new capital would represent a brighter future for Egypt, Youssef explained.
Domestic Conferences
9th International Conference of International Alliance for Financial Inclusion (13th to 15th of September 2017)
President Abdul Fattah El Sisi attended the inauguration of the 9th International Conference of the International Alliance for Financial Inclusion, organized by the Alliance in cooperation with the Central Bank of Egypt in the «Global Policy Forum» in Sharm El-Sheikh.
The conference is attended by more than 800 participants from about 95 countries to discuss the latest policies of financial inclusion and its activities worldwide.
More than 94 states and 119 international institutions take part in the two-day gathering.
The talks tackled means of combining public and private sectors, diversity as a way for realizing financial inclusion, reducing poverty rates and upping the gross domestic product.
Participants tackled experiences of participating states in this regard.
The talks also addressed regional mechanisms of reducing risks and means of benefiting from modern technology and digital financial services, especially in small and medium sized enterprises.
During the conference, Egypt showcased its financial inclusion experience, especially with regard to micro, small and medium sized enterprises.
Conference to announce 2017 census (September 30)
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attended a conference held by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) to announce the results of the 2017 census. Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and House of Representatives Speaker Ali Abdel Aal were present at the conference along with a galaxy of ministers, governors and senior officials. The conference was also attended by a number of Arab and international organizations.
President Sisi said that the government should analyze the results of the 2017 census to get acquainted with its indicators.
The president indicated that the data collection took much effort, time and money to be accomplished.
President’s meetings with foreign officials
September 10: President Sisi met a delegation of the US National Council of Churches. President Sisi said that Egypt is always working to promote the concepts of citizenship and equality. Sisi touched upon efforts to promote the culture of pluralism and acceptance of the other. Sisi made it clear that Egypt is keen on building bridges of communication and understanding with the different segments of the American society.
September 12: President Sisi held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. The president reviewed at the meeting recent economic reform measures that are adopted by the Egyptian government and efforts to attract more foreign investments.
President’s Foreign Visits
Sisi visits China (September 3-6, 2017)
President Sisi starts his visit to China and Vietnam to participate in the BRICS Summit.
BRICS Business Forum
President Sisi said that the Egyptian economic reform measures were introduced according to priorities and a sheer national vision. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, the president added that Egypt has successfully dealt with its chronic economic crisis despite the cost of war against terrorism and its success in restoring security and stability. The president explained that Egypt has adopted several radical economic reform measures while following a national plan that constituted a strategy for development until the year 2030.
BRICS SummitPresident Sisi delivered a speech to a special session on Egypt, within the BRICS Summit. The speech dealt with the Egyptian experience in implementing a sustainable economic growth program, and the investment opportunities offered by the country through its various national projects.
On the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit:
– President Sisi held a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two sides took up means of boosting joint cooperation and enhancing bilateral relations. They also discussed several regional and international issues of common concern.
– President El Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met. They discussed a set of bilateral issues along with resumption of Russian flights to Egypt. The two leaders also tackled the latest developments in Myanmar where they condemned the violence the Asian country witnessing.
– President Sisi has held a meeting with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma.
– President Sisi held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sisi asserted Egypt’s keenness on developing its cooperation relations with India in all fields so as to reflect the historical and friendly ties binding the two countries.
– President Sisi and his spouse attended a dinner banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the participating leaders of the 9th BRICS Summit and their wives.President Sisi’s visit to Vietnam (September 6-7, 2017)
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi arrived to Vietnam coming from China, after his participation in BRICS summit, on a visit, the first of its kind by an Egyptian president.
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang received President Sisi.
An official ceremony was held to welcome President Sisi at the presidential Palace.
President Sisi laid down a wreath on the tomb of late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh and on the Unknown Soldier tomb in Hanoi.
September 6: During a banquet hosted by the Vietnamese President in honor of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and his accompanying delegation, President Sisi praised historic and distinguished relations between Egypt and Vietnam.
Sisi invited his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang to visit Egypt soon, and thanked the Vietnamese people for the warm welcomed he received in Vietnam.
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang praised the role played by Egypt as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
September 6: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi discussed with Secretary General of Vietnam’s Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong means of boosting bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, president Sisi noted that his visit to Hanoi reflects Egypt’s keenness to foster cooperation with Vietnam and benefit from its experience that has achieved significant progress in various fields, particularly with regard to economy, trade and development.
September 6: Addressing the Egyptian-Vietnamese business forum in Hanoi, President Sisi said Egypt tops world countries in return on investment (ROI) in view of the package of incentives offered to businessmen. President Sisi urged Vietnamese industrialists to invest in Egypt in various domains. Sisi welcomed Vietnamese investors, especially industrialists, who are willing to engage in economic partnerships in the industrial zones being established in Egypt.
September 7: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi visited the Vietnamese National Assembly (parliament) where he had a meeting with Speaker Nguyen Thi Kim. President Sisi highlighted the importance of enhancing Egyptian-Vietnamese relations in the various domains. The meeting addressed ways to enhance relations between the parliaments of both countries to serve the best interests of both peoples.
September 7: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and a number of cabinet members during his visit to Vietnam. Phuc thanked Egypt for its efforts in helping Vietnamese nationals to leave Libya and return back to their country in 2011 and 2014. Meanwhile, President Sisi expressed his happiness over visiting Vietnam, pointing to Egypt’s desire to benefit from the Vietnamese expertise in enhancing the economy and development.
He explained that Egypt’s role in evacuating the Vietnamese nationals from Libya comes in line with its efforts to protect innocent lives and prevent more casualties.
President Sisi’s visit to New York to participate in 72nd UNGA session (September 17-21, 2017)
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi left Cairo, heading to New York, to take part in the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The president delivered Egypt’s speech at the UN General Assembly, reviewing the country’s vision on various regional and international issues.
President Sisi also took part in a summit of the UN Security Council on reforming peacekeeping operations worldwide, reviewing the Egyptian efforts as the seventh largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping forces.
The President participated in a meeting on Libya organized by the UN, aiming at supporting efforts to achieve a political settlement to the country’s crisis.
President Sisi met with US President Donald Trump, public figures, heads of major companies, and members of the Business Council for International Understanding.
He also hold a meeting with Heads of State and Government taking part in the UN meetings to discuss ways to boost relations between Egypt and their countries, as well as exchange views on the regional and international developments.
President Sisi’s meetings on the UNGA sidelines
September 17: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received in his residence in New York UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.President Sisi lauded relations with the UAE in several domains.
September18: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received at his residence in New York a group of influential figures in the American society, including a number of ministers, former military officials and leaders of research centers, Jewish organizations and think tanks in the US.
September 18: President Abdel Fatah El Sisi held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his residence on the fringe of the United Nations General Assembly meeting.
The talks are expected to tackle the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and efforts to resume the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks after the success of Egyptian efforts to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.
September 18: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi held talks in his residence with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on means of resuming the Middle East peace process.
President Sisi underlined the importance of resuming peace negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides in accordance with the two-state solution and relevant international terms of reference.
September 19: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi held talks in his residence with Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades and discussed energy issues and Egyptian-Greek-Cyprian cooperation, as well as the means to put into action mutual projects agreed in previous summits between the three states.
September 19: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi discussed means of bolstering Egyptian-Brazilian economic ties and trade links with President Michel Temer of Brazil.
September 19: The presidents of Egypt and Ghana met in New York. President Sisi hailed as “historical” Egypt’s political relations with Ghana, stressing at the same time the need to increase the volume of trade exchange.
September 20: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni on the sidelines of the 72nd UN General Assembly meetings. The meeting, attended by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, addressed bilateral relations and a number of other issues of mutual concern.
Sisi said Cairo is keen on restoring relations with Italy at all levels.
September 20: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi conferred with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 72nd UN General Assembly. Sisi asserted that Egypt supports the efforts exerted by the United Nations bodies to restore peace and find solutions for crises gripping the region. The President applauded efforts exerted by the UN chief since he took the office.
In this context, Guterres highlighted a long history of close cooperation between the UN and Egypt as well as Cairo’s effective participation in the UN Security Council meetings.
September 20: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met his US counterpart Donald Trump in New York. The meeting tackled promoting bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Middle East region.
Trump underlined the importance of pushing up bilateral relations for the best interest of the two peoples.
President Sisi highlighted the importance of strategic relations with the US to serve the interests of the two countries and help enhance peace and stability in the Middle East.
Sisi expressed hope for maintaining consultation and coordination between both sides over fighting terrorism.
September 21: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received World Bank President Jim Yong Kim at his residence in New York and accords special attention to its relations with the World Bank being an important development partner. President Sisi appreciated the bank’s efforts in support of Egypt at various levels, especially via implementing developmental projects, providing technical support and enhancing the role of the private sector.
Sisi also praised the bank’s support to Egypt’s economic reform program.
September18: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attended a business luncheon hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce and the Egyptian-US business council in the presence of chiefs of major US companies in various fields.
They hailed measures taken by Egypt to improve its economy and encourage investment. They renewed the council’s support to Cairo and its efforts to boost cooperation and trade between Egypt and the US in all domains.
September 18: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attended a working dinner that was organized by the business council for international understanding.
The council is a non-profit seeking non-government organization that is working to hold dialogue between political leaders and business communities in different parts of the world.
President Sisi’s participation in UNSC meeting on Libya (September 20, 2017)
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi took part in an ad-hoc session on Libya at the UN Security Council, which was attended by a number of heads of State and Government and asserted that all elements are available to solve the crisis in Libya, citing a political agreement that is the sole acceptable foundation for a comprehensive settlement in the Arab country.
“There is no way to divide the elements of solution in Libya,” Sisi told a UN Security Council meeting on the conditions in the Libya.
President Sisi’s participation in UN Security Council summit on the reform of the UN peacekeeping operations (September 20, 2017)
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi took part in UN Security Council summit on the reform of the UN peacekeeping operations, which was attended by a number of heads of State and Government and asserted that Egypt comes on top of countries participating in the UN peacekeeping forces.
Delivering a speech at a UN Security Council summit on the reform of the UN peacekeeping operations, President Sisi said that peacekeeping operations are not alternative to preventive diplomatic efforts and healing the social rift.
Also, President Sisi stressed the importance of giving high priority to conflict-settlement efforts.
Furthermore, President Sisi welcomed approving a draft resolution entitled “the review of peacekeeping operations”, which represents a step in the right direction to strengthen the UN peace and security system.
Sisi expressed hope the draft resolution would focus on addressing shortcomings in the UN system, in pursuit of reaching a comprehensive vision to prevent conflicts and maintain peace, in addition to supporting the UN peacekeeping role to achieve that vision and the necessary decision-making mechanisms.
In this regard, Sisi put forward the following points:
First: He underlined the high importance of preserving the international security and peace, which they should not be alternatives to the preventive diplomatic efforts, mediation, peace-building or any other political, economic or social aspects aimed at remedying the roots of problems and healing the social rift.
Second: Sisi pointed out that Egypt called on the international community to give top priority to the dispute settlement efforts. The President seconded the UN resolutions that stressed the importance of giving the top priority to political efforts and considering them as a base for the various missions of the United Nations.
Third: the President stressed that the role of the United Nations should not be an alternative for the roles of governments of countries. He called on the governments to bear the responsibility of protecting civilians rather than leaving such important role for the UN Peacekeeping missions.
Fourth: Sisi said that drafting the mandates of Peacekeeping missions by certain countries rather than by all countries taking part in such missions hinders the success of the respective missions.
Concluding his speech, the President stressed Egypt’s commitment to playing its regional and international role and to make every effort to eliminate the challenges of international peace and security.
President Sisi’s visit to UAE (September 25-26, 2017)
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a two-day official visit.
During his visit, the President discussed with UAE leaders promoting deeply-rooted ties between the two countries as well as consultations and coordination on a host of regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The President’s visit to Abu Dhabi comes within the framework of distinguished ties between the two countries at all levels.
Exchanging high-profile visits over the past period reflects the two sides’ keenness on continuing coordination on how to overcome challenges in the region during the current stage, a matter that requires rallying efforts to preserve the Arab national security and prevent any attempts to interfere in Arab states’ internal affairs and destabilize them.
President Sisi’s activities in UAE visit
September 25: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi made the remarks during his talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nuhayyan upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi and asserted Egypt’s keenness on developing relations with the UAE at all levels along with continuing intensified coordination on regional and international issues.
September 25: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attended the weekly council of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nuhayyan.
