Sadat's peace initiative proves Egyptians believe war is not the goal: Sisi

CAIRO - 19 February 2019: Egypt's President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received on Tuesday the members of the American committee that supported bestowing the Golden Congressional Medal upon late President Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat.

President Sisi hailed the efforts of the committee members in communicating with the US Congress, adding that granting Sadat the Golden Congressional Medal represents recognition of his historic contribution toward peace in the Middle East, presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said.

During his meeting with the American delegation, Sisi affirmed that Sadat's peace initiative affirmed that Egyptian people recognize that war is not the goal and appreciate peace and security.

He added that such award highlights the important role Egypt played in establishing peace and stability in the Middle East.

Members of the American delegation expressed their happiness with awarding the Congressional Medal to the late president, as it is considered to be the highest American civil award bestowed on great leaders including George Washington, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and Ronald Reagan, the spokesman continued.

The delegation also praised Egypt's role in establishing peace and stability in the Middle East, and expressed deep appreciation for Sisi's current efforts to promote tolerance, peace and coexistence, according to Radi.

The members congratulated Sisi for the opening of the largest mosque and cathedral in the Middle East in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, saying that it reflects the historic coexistence of religions in Egypt.

For his part, Sisi said that sustainable peace has to be just and comprehensive, adding that it also has to meet the legitimate demands of people, and to be based on the popular will, Radi said.

Concerning the Palestinian cause, Sisi said that resolving the issue and achieving peace in the Middle East would open the door for developing the region, and achieving security for its peoples.

Sisi also stressed the importance of strategic relations between Egypt and the United States, praising the two countries' keenness to develop these relations and strengthen cooperation in all fields, Radi added.

Trump signs law honoring Anwar Sadat

CAIRO – 14 December 2018: U.S. President Donald Trump signed a law honoring former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat Friday, on the 100th anniversary of his birth.