President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, along with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, celebrated the 42nd anniversary of Egypt's victory against Israel in the 6 October War. The celebration took place on Monday at the Military Academy with former interim president Adli Mansour, former commander-in-chief Hussein Tantawi and high-ranking armed forces officers, as well as ministers, in attendance. The ceremony included a military parade in which helicopters and Special Forces personnel performed combat manoeuvres and F-16 fighter jets made fly-pasts. The celebration also honoured the families of those who were killed during the war. Al-Sisi delivered a speech in which he also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of pilgrims who died in Mecca last month while performing the pilgrimage, or haj. The president then highlighted the importance of strong relations between Egyptians and the armed forces. “The reason behind the victory in the 1973 war was the strong relationship between the Egyptian people and their army forces, and this is the first lesson that we need to recall on this occasion,” Al-Sisi said. At the same time, the president pointed out that Egypt is still facing serious challenges. “Developing our country will not happen unless there is full support from the people for their leadership. The newly appointed government is keen on accomplishing success just like in the past,” the president said, referring to the recently formed cabinet. Al-Sisi took advantage of the occasion to discuss several domestic and foreign issues, including the upcoming parliament, the newly elected cabinet and development projects, in addition to Egypt's foreign policy. “I call on all people to vote in the upcoming elections, and to carefully choose their candidates who will represent them and be responsible for Egypt's future,” said Al-Sisi. The parliamentary elections, on 17 October and 2 December, are divided into two stages: the first for voters in 14 governorates and the second for those in the remaining 13. The president said the parliament will face many challenges. “It will play a crucial role as it will be Egypt's main legislative authority,” Al-Sisi said. The president added that there is no relationship between the newly appointed cabinet and the upcoming parliament. “As soon as a parliament is formed, according to Article 146 of the 2014 constitution, the cabinet head — the prime minister — must submit a programme to the elected parliament. The parliament then must give a vote of confidence in order for the cabinet to remain in power,” Al-Sisi explained. Towards the end of the president's speech, Al-Sisi said that the government will introduce a new national science programme. “The project will be the first of its kind in Egypt and will offer free scientific education for students,” Al-Sisi said, but did not provide details. Regarding Egypt's foreign policy, Al-Sisi said that during the 70th session of the UN General Assembly many foreign countries expressed their keen interest to improve their cooperation with Egypt. They also stressed the importance of combatting terrorism. “This understanding of the people's determination came after talks and after showing the sincerity of our vision during the past year. Egypt is getting the treatment it deserves,” Al-Sisi said. On Monday, Minister of Defence Sedki Sobhi also delivered a speech in which he praised “the men of the armed forces who restored the dignity of Egyptians. The October War restored Sinai and confirmed the will of free Egypt,” Sobhi said. He added that the victory will remain an example of how “people united with the armed forces, acting as one of Egypt's symbols of nationalism.” According to Sobhi, the armed forces are using all its resources to actively participate in Egypt's development. The 6th of October is one of Egypt's most important dates. The country celebrates its 1973 victory over Israel following its devastating defeat by Israel in June 1967. The national holiday usually includes military parades, speeches by state officials and aerial military shows by the Egyptian Air Force.
