Marking the 31st anniversary of the 6 October War, President Hosni Mubarak delivered a nationally televised speech on Tuesday in which he highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and democracy, and advocating cooperation amongst Middle Eastern countries. The brief address outlined how the 1973 victory made it possible for Egypt to re-organise its priorities, turning its focus from armed struggle, to a struggle to achieve prosperity for its citizens and channel more funds to development and economic reform. Mubarak stressed that the Egyptian Armed Forces should remain "strong and equipped with the latest technology, not just to defend Egypt, but to contribute with its expertise in the development of the entire nation." In the speech, Mubarak also outlined the nation's foreign policy priorities, saying Egypt was dedicated to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli crisis, as well as helping Iraq achieve stability. He urged both Palestine and Israel to honour their commitments to the roadmap. Mubarak also said that Israel should be included in calls for a "Middle East that is free of weapons of mass destruction", a dynamic the region needed in order to "unify without exceptions". Mubarak said Egypt would also be concentrating its efforts on fostering relations with Africa, and helping African countries to "achieve their aims and solve their political and security problems". On the same day, Mubarak placed floral wreaths on the tombs of former presidents Gamal Abdel-Nasser and Anwar El-Sadat. He also visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, chaired an Armed Forces Supreme Council meeting, and attended the Ministry of Information's annual celebration commemorating the war.
