President el-Sisi Meets with Delegation of Leaders from Evangelical Community

President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi welcomed a delegation of leaders from the American evangelical community on November 1, in the presence of Khalid Fawzi, Head of the General Intelligence and Rev. Dr. AndriZaki, head of the evangelical community in Egypt. Bassam Radi, spokesman for the President, said President el-Sisi welcomed the delegation members, expressing condolences to the victims of the Manhattan terrorist incident which took place October 31 in New York. The President shared Egypt’s keenness to strengthen bridges of communication and understanding with various sectors of American society to address the challenges facing the two countries. The President affirmed Egypt’s openness to all religions and sects and its firm belief that the acceptance of diversity must unite people from all over the world. Additionally, the President highlighted the importance of dialogue between people from different sects and races. The President also noted Egypt’s eagerness to uphold the principles of citizenship, equality and non-discrimination among citizens on any religious, sectarian or other basis, as well as the consolidation of a culture of pluralism and acceptance. The Spokesman added that members of the American delegation expressed their appreciation for Egypt’s leadership and people, pointing out Egypt’s role as the cornerstone of stability and moderation in the Middle East. Members of the delegation expressed their solidarity with Egypt in the face of terrorism and reinforced their confidence in Egypt’s ability to overcome the difficulties posed by the current challenges. Ambassador Bassam Radi said the meeting tackled ways to confront terrorism. The President affirmed the elimination of terrorism in the region and beyond will only be achieved through collective action and adoption of a multi-pronged strategy by the international community. All parties supporting terrorist organizations through shelter, weapons, training camps or funding will be dealt with appropriately. The President also stressed the importance of supporting efforts to restore stability in the region and to consolidate national institutions with their countries to fill the vacuum providing an opening for the growth of terrorism. The original version of this article was published in Leading the Wayon November 1, 2017.