Price of current security in Egypt was lives of martyrs: President Sisi

CAIRO – 9 March 2022: “I wish you all to understand how the price paid to achieve security is very precious,” President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi said Wednesday addressing the Egyptian people, while attending an event held by the Egyptian Armed Forces to celebrate "Martyr Day."

In his speech, President Sisi pointed out that the Egyptian people’s willpower to ouster the narrow-minded regime that existed in 2013, incurred a wave of terrorism. And, that to contain it, many of the members of the Egyptian Armed Forces were made martyrs.

The president further noted that the Egyptian Armed Forces has been determined to couple war on terror with contributions in development works. The chief of state was referring to supervising the building of roads, infrastructure projects, factories, and farms. 

The president underscored that the Arab World was first hit by “chaos,” then the COVID-19 pandemic, and now war. He added that such series of unfortunate events have had its toll on Egypt in the form of inflation and soaring prices.

Yet, the Egyptian government has been keen on embarking on economic reforms, and executing a number of social development initiatives, which have alleviated the economic impact of the pandemic and other international crises, President Sisi showcased.

At the beginning of the event, a video showing troops doing the “Martyr Salute” from the Unknown Soldier Memorial and Cairo University was streamed. Then, a video report showcasing the revamp in armament carried out by the Egyptian Armed Forces was played.

The Naval Force introduced “Mistral” aircraft carriers, “Birgamini” frigates, and German “S-44” submarines. On the other hand, the Air Force introduced “Rafale” fighter jets, MI-24 attack helicopters, and drones among others.

What's more, military manufacturing has been bolstered either, which was manifested in the launching of the annual event of the Egyptian Defense Expo (EDEX), where Egypt-made ammunitions, arms, military vehicles and drones were exhibited.

Later on, an Islamic cleric explained that God bestows the highest status in heaven on martyrs.

Speaking of harmony among Egyptians, a priest highlighted that Egypt was the destination of several prophets, which made its people spiritual and filled with tolerance, which used to be most evident in their solidarity in the times of fending off dangers and enduring crises.

On another level, a female Islamic cleric warned youth against believing lies, and giving up values pertinent to patriotism.

An Army officer told the story of how he lost his right leg during war on terror. He said that after he and his team accomplished a raid on a terrorist hideout in Sinai, a mine set off at his vehicle, injuring him and killing one of his colleagues.

Two other videos were aired. In the first, families of martyrs who lost their lives during war on terror sent messages of love to their late sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. In the second, the footage portrayed the lives of soldiers in the battlefield and at home.

At the end, President Sisi honored the families of martyrs.