President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi announced on Sunday that Egypt will host an international conference on Gaza reconstruction in November 2025, following two years of Egyptian mediation to end the war, facilitate humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages. He said these efforts have culminated in a ceasefire agreement, adding that he had thanked US President Donald Trump for his support in bringing the fighting to an end. Al-Sisi urged Egyptians to contribute to the reconstruction efforts and instructed the prime minister to coordinate with civil society and relevant bodies to establish a national mechanism for collecting donations. The president made his remarks during the Armed Forces' 42nd Cultural Symposium, held at Cairo's Al-Manara International Conference Center as part of commemorations marking the 52nd anniversary of the October 1973 War victory. Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said the programme featured a Quran recitation, an artistic segment titled "The Origin of the Story", the play "We Triumphed", and the documentary "The October War." War veterans later joined the president on stage for a commemorative photograph. The event also included a presentation on "Art in Building Awareness", a second documentary titled "Wars That Never End", and a musical performance by the Ministry of Youth and Sports choir. El-Shennawy added that President Al-Sisi delivered a speech after honouring eleven October War veterans. During his remarks, the president congratulated Egyptian archaeologist Khaled El-Anany on his election as UNESCO Director-General, pledging full state support for his new role. He also noted Egypt's election to the UN Human Rights Council, and expressed hope that Egypt would soon secure the top post at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). On domestic matters, Al-Sisi acknowledged that Egypt had faced "difficult circumstances over the past two years," underscoring the vital role of media and art in promoting public awareness and countering misinformation. He praised Egyptians for their resilience amid economic challenges, affirming that government measures are aimed at "genuine, structural reform" rather than postponement, and that the state "takes decisions without hesitation" when national interests demand it. Concluding his speech, Al-Sisi paid tribute to the late President Anwar Al-Sadat for his "historic decision" during the 1973 war, reaffirming Egypt's determination to overcome challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous future.
