Lawmakers applaud President El-Sisi’s call to end humanitarian crises

CAIRO – 19 November 2024: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s address at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro underscored Egypt's strategic perspective on tackling pressing global issues, including poverty, hunger, and inequality. Egyptian lawmakers and political figures praised his speech, highlighting its alignment with the nation's commitment to fostering sustainable development and addressing humanitarian crises.

El-Sisi’s participation in the G20 for the second consecutive year, and fourth overall, reflects Egypt’s growing influence in international economic and political spheres. The president proposed establishing a global center for grain storage and distribution in Egypt, a move aimed at stabilizing global food supply chains.

Ayman Mohseb, Deputy Chairman of the Arab Affairs Committee in Egypt’s House of Representatives, emphasized that El-Sisi’s speech reinforced Egypt’s pivotal role as a leader in Africa. The president’s call for stronger international cooperation in green transition and economic investment in developing nations showcased Egypt as a proactive partner in global solutions.

El-Sisi stressed the importance of financing sustainable development goals, transferring advanced technologies to developing nations, and reforming multilateral development banks. These steps, he argued, are essential for driving economic growth and combating challenges like illegal migration.

Parliamentarian Ellaria Haris lauded El-Sisi’s firm stance on protecting civilians amid humanitarian crises, particularly in Palestine and Lebanon. The president’s call for immediate action to halt escalating violence and provide humanitarian aid reflected Egypt’s consistent support for regional peace and stability.

Haris also highlighted Egypt’s active role in global initiatives, such as the alliance against poverty and hunger, demonstrating its commitment to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The proposed grain storage hub, she added, positions Egypt as a critical player in regional and international food security.

Engineer Hani El-Assal, a member of the Senate, noted that the G20 Summit is a unique platform for showcasing Egypt’s economic potential. With its participation, Egypt gains access to major economic partnerships, enhances foreign investment, and boosts export opportunities. This aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to recover from geopolitical disruptions and strengthen its national economy.

El-Assal also emphasized that Egypt’s location and engagement with leading financial institutions, like the IMF and World Bank, offer significant advantages for securing development funding and fostering economic resilience.

Hassan Hegres, Assistant Head of the Democratic Generation Party, described the proposal for a global grain storage hub as a cornerstone of Egypt’s strategic vision for addressing food security challenges. This initiative leverages Egypt’s geographical position as a trade nexus, enabling it to support food supply stability and aid nations struggling with food crises.

Hegres also praised Egypt’s Hayah Karima (Decent Life) initiative, a large-scale development project improving infrastructure, public services, and job opportunities in rural areas. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s long-term goals for inclusive development and social justice.