President Sisi Opens New State Strategic Command Center in New Capital

President Abdel Fattah Sisi presided over the inauguration ceremony of the state’s Strategic Command Center located in Egypt’s new capital city.

The official spokesperson for the presidency stated that upon the president’s arrival at the Strategic Command headquarters, he was escorted by motorcycle and cavalry units. He was received by Field Marshal Ashraf Salem Zahir, the General Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production; Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; and commanders of the main branches of the armed forces. The president then rode in an open vehicle to the main platform of the ceremony, accompanied by the General Commander, Chief of Staff, and senior military leaders. This procession coincided with the firing of 21 artillery rounds and an aerial escort by Apache helicopters. Along the route, the president inspected the lined-up troops and military equipment, while military music played in his honor.

According to Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, the official spokesperson, upon the president’s arrival at the main platform, the honor guard rendered a military salute, followed by the playing of the Egyptian national anthem. The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Quranic verses, succeeded by a musical performance featuring an orchestra, choir, and military band. A documentary film about the Strategic Command Center was then presented. Subsequently, the president handed over the Armed Forces’ flag topped with the Holy Quran to the honor guard commander in preparation for raising it over the Strategic Command Center.

The spokesperson added that the president proceeded to the platform to sign the inauguration document for the Strategic Command Center, accompanied by the General Commander of the Armed Forces, the Chief of Staff, and commanders of the main branches. The president signed the document and pressed the button to raise the flag, accompanied by the playing of the flag salute music and the raising of flags on the octagonal towers, while 11 artillery rounds were fired to mark the occasion. An aerial display team then passed overhead. The president returned to the main platform, where he witnessed a parade of an open bus carrying a group of children. Field Marshal Ashraf Salem Zahir then delivered a speech on the occasion, followed by the presentation of a commemorative gift to the president—a model of the Strategic Command Center. Paratroopers and air force units performed military displays, after which a film titled “Great Leaders” was screened.

The spokesperson noted that President Sisi delivered a speech marking the inauguration of the Strategic Command Center and the thirteenth anniversary of the June 30 Revolution. The speech text included the following:

“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds,

Allow me to request the playing of the Martyr’s Salute as this is a historic day for Egypt.

First, I extend my greetings and pride and congratulate the Egyptian people on the national football team’s victory in the World Cup and the historic achievement they accomplished.

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds,

I begin my speech by praising Almighty God, by whose grace we stand today to announce the opening of the Strategic Command Center, this towering national edifice located in the heart of our new capital, a testament to the will of a nation that knows no impossibility.

The choice of the new capital as the location for this edifice was not accidental; it embodies the pillars of the new republic. The Strategic Command Center represents a qualitative leap in the command, control, and operations management system, equipped with advanced technological infrastructure, secure communication systems, superior capabilities for information gathering and analysis, and integration of leadership and executive levels within a unified framework that achieves the highest levels of coordination, precision, and rapid response.

This command center is not only concerned with managing military situations but is a fundamental pillar in the state’s ability to confront challenges and exceptional circumstances through a comprehensive vision and advanced systems that prioritize national security and stability above all else, keeping pace with a world experiencing unprecedented rapid changes.

The Strategic Command embodies a firm doctrine that protecting nations is a responsibility that admits no negligence, that deterring anyone who dares to threaten Egypt’s security and sovereignty is a sacred duty, and that Egypt’s borders are a red line protected by the will of its people and safeguarded by the armed forces’ competence and capability. The state will never allow harm to its people’s resources, while maintaining peace for those who seek it, and will bow only to God Almighty.

Great people of Egypt,

This inauguration coincides with the anniversary of the glorious June 30 Revolution, during which the Egyptian people expressed the highest meanings of national will by rising to defend Egypt’s authentic identity and reclaiming it from extremists and terrorists who sought to drag the nation into chaos and conflict, implementing destructive exclusionary agendas that only bring bloodshed and ruin.

The June Revolution was a cry of truth and a resounding declaration that Egypt is governed only 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 immortal occasion, I extend my appreciation and respect to the great Egyptian people who have demonstrated throughout history deep awareness, firm understanding, and constant keenness to protect the homeland and maintain its stability, sacrificing everything precious for this cause.

I also salute our martyrs, our valiant armed forces, and our civil police, who have been and remain the people’s support and guardians of their resources, fighting a fierce battle against terrorism to defend Egypt’s land and interests, and on behalf of the region and the entire world, which would have been affected by this vile terrorism had Egypt not triumphed over it and uprooted it.

Dear sons of Egypt,

The June 30 Revolution was a revolution against terrorism and extremism, and also a revolution for construction and modernization—a revolution for the people to realize their dream of establishing a new republic: a modern Egypt, industrial and advanced in agriculture, attractive to investments, leading in education, health, services, and specialized workforce development, and generally a state befitting Egypt’s ancient history and deserving of its rightful place among nations.

From the first day of assuming responsibility, I refused to halt the march of development and construction and was determined to advance the development process alongside the battle against terrorism without delay or retreat, so Egypt would continue on its path toward the future without postponement, making up for lost time on the path to progress.

Great people of Egypt,

We are working with all our strength, determination, and persistence to build the modern state, a continuous process requiring sacrifices and efforts from everyone. Cooperation and diligent work are the only way forward; the alternative is backwardness and decline amid a regional environment full of challenges and ambitions.

We have faced successive exceptional crises, starting with the repercussions of events in Egypt from 2011 to 2014, followed by the war on terrorism, then the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of the Ukraine war, the Gaza conflict, and finally the war in Iran.

These crises resulted in severe losses, including, for example, the loss of more than ten billion dollars in revenues from the Suez Canal due to attacks on ships in Bab al-Mandab, in addition to rising energy and food prices, supply chain disruptions, and waves of millions of displaced persons arriving in Egypt, which remains a safe and stable refuge in a turbulent region.

Despite this, Egypt exerted strenuous efforts to halt wars and reduce escalation, seeking to stop bloodshed.

Here, I reiterate my appreciation for U.S. President Donald Trump, whose efforts led to the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement to cease hostilities in Gaza and the successful agreement to halt the war with Iran. I emphasize the necessity of supporting these agreements, insisting on their full implementation, and preventing any attempts to sabotage, circumvent, or undermine them.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Egypt, with its insightful vision and unparalleled historical experience in regional affairs, and as the first country to sign a peace agreement with Israel when hostility was widespread, affirms that the fundamental solution to Middle Eastern conflicts lies in reaching a comprehensive and just peace agreement that resolves the Palestinian issue, establishes the Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

There can be no lasting peace, true stability, or popular normalization without a just peace that ends occupation, stops injustice and aggression, restores rights to their owners, ensures security for all, grants the peoples of the region the opportunity to live in stability and prosperity, and launches a new era of cooperation, prosperity, and a better future that our peoples deserve.

Great people of Egypt,

I renew before you the pledge that great Egypt will continue with unwavering determination and unbreakable will to complete the path of construction and development and to establish the foundations of the modern state as a firm strategic choice. In a few days, we will witness the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the second nuclear unit at the Dabaa nuclear power plant, one of the most prominent projects of strategic partnership with the Russian Federation. This plant will have a significant positive impact on sustainable development by providing clean energy for investment projects and services needed by citizens. I take this opportunity to thank Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for this constructive and ongoing cooperation to achieve remarkable achievements in major development projects.

The people of Egypt are fully aware of the burdens borne by Egyptian citizens, and I recognize that improving their living standards and alleviating their suffering remains a top priority for the state and the foremost concern in every decision.

Over the past years, we have faced exceptional challenges together and have all borne the responsibility of preserving our country under extremely sensitive and complex circumstances. Today, as we approach a new phase, the achievements in construction and reform compel us to continue the journey with the same level of responsibility and wisdom to reach our goals.

I stress the importance of officials opening direct communication channels with citizens, attentively listening to their opinions, and providing them with accurate information so that perceptions are objective and based on verified data. Here, I confirm that I have instructed the government with specific directives on several matters as follows:

First, to open the door for objective media dialogue that includes all viewpoints to enrich discussion and build awareness within a framework of respect and understanding. In this regard, I direct the Minister of State for Media Affairs to coordinate with relevant media and press institutions to hold an annual meeting, initially scheduled for December 3 each year under the auspices of the president, to review the state of Egyptian media, discuss challenges and opportunities, and develop practical recommendations for its continuous development.

Second, to activate political party life, qualify political and youth cadres, and complete preparations for local council elections to reinforce popular participation and enhance their role in local governance.

Third, for the Egypt Future Sustainable Development Agency, in coordination with the Ministries of Agriculture and Supply, to prepare a national program to reduce living costs by expanding permanent outlets and markets and regulating supply chains to stabilize basic commodity prices.

Fourth, to develop a comprehensive national economic program to be implemented after the conclusion of the economic reform program with the International Monetary Fund. This program will be purely Egyptian, building on reforms achieved and transitioning the economy from stabilization to sustainable growth, directly improving citizens’ living standards and enhancing the Egyptian economy’s ability to face changes and achieve comprehensive development.

Fifth, to accelerate the next phase of the state’s divestment program from economic activities that the private sector can efficiently manage, with full commitment to transparency, equal opportunity, competition, and strengthening the private sector’s role in leading growth and investment.

Sixth, for all relevant state agencies to take firmer measures against all forms of corruption, enhance governance, transparency, and accountability systems, and expand digital transformation to protect public funds and consolidate principles of integrity and competence in state institutions.

Seventh, to continue developing the education system based on merit and excellence, linking educational outcomes to labor market needs, and expanding the identification and nurturing of talented individuals to build generations capable of competing and innovating in various fields.

Finally, to develop a plan to restructure the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority to focus on productive activities, simplify establishment, financing, and licensing procedures, and increase youth participation in economic activities.

In conclusion, I salute the proud people of Egypt, endowed with firm will and deep awareness, renew my tribute to our righteous martyrs, our valiant armed forces—the sword and shield of the nation—our civil police, and all state institutions entrusted with protecting the homeland and shaping its future so that Egypt remains always a stronghold, a solid pillar of security, and a shining beacon of prosperity and goodness.

It is important to recall in some detail the events of 2011 leading up to June 30. God willed to protect Egypt, inspiring the people to rise and guiding us all to act in ways that safeguard the country. At one point, the Supreme Constitutional Court, the People’s Assembly, and the Ministry of Defense were besieged to exert pressure to resolve the crisis under fear and tension, leading to decisions harmful to our country. Therefore, it was necessary to move the state’s capital to prevent recurrence. Malicious and terrorist elements will not stop and cannot repeat such acts in Egypt, though they may seek other means to harm the country. This requires sincere care for our nation so that God aids us in difficult circumstances. God Almighty protects Egypt, and we must also take necessary precautions. I mention this to clarify the importance of having a new capital where all state agencies are located within the new republic. God granted us the idea and its implementation. I always recall the events of 2011 because God saved Egypt, while other countries have suffered since then. In 2011, the dollar was six Egyptian pounds; now it is fifty. The state lost 450 billion dollars, which we all pay for. I say this so that every official, intellectual, media figure, thinker, and youth understands the danger of any action that does not improve people’s conditions but harms them. I urge my colleagues in the state to speak with utmost clarity to the people. After that, we entered the war on terrorism, incurring billions in costs and hundreds of martyrs and wounded from the army, police, Muslim and Christian judiciary, as well as damage to mosques and churches. I remind you of this to learn from the lessons and avoid repeating these mistakes.”

I congratulate the armed forces, civil police, and the Egyptian state on this significant day and hope we all work earnestly in every sector with sincerity.

O Lord, all praise is due to You as befits the majesty of Your Face and the greatness of Your Authority.

O Lord, bestow upon us Your generosity and bounty. You have honored and dignified us and comforted us. Bless us with goodness, blessings, and Your noble protection.

Happy holidays to all.

By the Almighty God:

Long live Egypt, long live Egypt, long live Egypt.

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.”

The spokesperson further explained that the second phase of the ceremony included the president inspecting the Armed Forces Operations Center, where the Chief of the Armed Forces Operations presented an explanation of the center. The president reviewed the readiness of on-duty personnel, main branches, and field formations. He then took several official commemorative photographs: one with the First Lady and senior state and military leaders, another with various segments of the Egyptian people, and a third with the armed forces commanders. Following this, the president and First Lady attended a musical performance by the orchestra and choir coinciding with the illumination of the octagonal towers, followed by a song performed by an Egyptian female artist. The event concluded with a drone display spelling out “Long live the peoples of the world who love peace,” and the national anthem was played to mark the end of the celebration.