CAIRO, June 2, 2018 (MENA) - A session during which President Abdel Fattah El Sisi will take the constitutional oath before the House of Representatives for a second term in office kicked off earlier Saturday, under Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aal. Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, a galaxy of ministers, Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb as well as Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese are among figures attending today's session. "I received a message from the head of the National Elections Authority with an attached resolution no. 57/2018 which its second article entails the declaration of electing President Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussien Khalil El Sisi, widely known as Abdel Fattah El Sisi, for a second term in office," Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aal said during the session. "Pursuant to article 144 of the constitution, President Sisi is asked to take the constitutional oath." President Sisi took oath before the Parliament to mark the start of a second term in office. Following Sisi's constitutional oath, House of Representatives Speaker Ali Abdel Aal welcomed the president and paid tribute to Egyptians who turned a blind eye to calls for boycotting the presidential elections and took to the streets to cast their votes in free elections. Abdel Aal said the Egyptians voted for President Sisi in recognition of his efforts in leading the country and making great achievements. He said the Egyptians have proven their ability to iron out hurdles and address all problems that only make them more coherent. Abdel Aal made it clear that the national unity is a must for continuing the construction process, underlining the importance of staying away from fanaticism, renewing the religious discourse and using the latest tools of information technology. The parliament speaker lauded President Sisi's ability to deliver on his promises despite the tremendous challenges facing the country, shortage of foreign cash reserves, stumbling of many factories and the spread of terrorist operations that have left many innocent people and army and police men dead. He referred to the great achievements realized during Sisi's first term in office, including the inauguration of the New Suez Canal, the increase in foreign cash reserves to unprecedented levels, the decline of unemployment and inflation rates, the building of decent housing units for slum residents, the launching of the 1.5-million-feddan reclamation project, setting up the New Administrative Capital, developing the national road network, increasing pensions and setting free youths held over protests. He also paid tribute to Sisi's respect of the constitutional institutions of the State and his ability to achieve security and stability nationwide and to curtail terrorism by launching the Operation Sinai 2018. Abdel Aal lauded Sisi's respect of freedom and democracy.
