Sisi stresses importance of AIPU in confronting Arab challenges

CAIRO – 5 April 2018: Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aal delivered a speech on behalf of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi in the 27th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), which was hosted by the Egyptian Parliament in Cairo on Thursday.

Sisi stressed on the importance of the role of the AIPU in achieving Arab alignment against the challenges that threaten the Arab national security.

“Egypt is currently engaged in a relentless war to eradicate terrorism,” Abdel Aal said on behalf of Sisi.

Sisi added that it is difficult for any Arab country to face the challenges of the Arab region alone. The Arab region faces enormous challenges such as civil wars and terrorism. The president also pointed out that the Mediterranean has become the main path for illegal immigration and that out of every three Arabs, there is an Arab refugee.

Moreover, he stated that economic and social challenges are not less dangerous than security and political challenges. This requires implementing the concepts of sustainable development, youth empowerment and women's support, while prioritizing projects of Arab economic integration.

He also stressed the importance of achieving peace in the region and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, emphasizing Egypt's role in achieving the Palestinian reconciliation.

Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives Habib al-Malki congratulated Sisi on being elected president for a second term.

Sisi received Malki on Tuesday on the sidelines of the conference.

During the meeting, President Sisi stressed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are “forever deep-rooted and historic,” praising the distinguished relations that the two countries have and continue to develop in various fields.

Malki conveyed the greetings of King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Sisi, congratulating him on being elected president for a second term. He pointed out that Sisi's re-election reflects Egyptians’ renewed confidence in the president during this critical stage.

Sisi also conveyed his greetings to King Mohammed VI, expressing Egypt's appreciation for his support for Egypt and its people.

Malki praised Egypt's successful efforts in fighting terrorism on different fronts, as well as the continuous progression materialized in the economic file. “Egypt is the pillar of the region,” he stated.
"The general secretary of the AIPU will review reports on implementing the decisions of the previous conferences and the union's activities from December 4, 2017, until March 15, 2018," said the AIPU in an online statement on Sunday.