CAIRO, June 11, 2018 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said Monday that changing governments is necessary to give opportunities for others, sending greetings, appreciation and thanks to the government of former Prime Minister Sherif Ismail for its efforts over the last period, which he described as the most difficult period in the history of Egypt. In his speech during Laylat al Qadr ceremony, Sisi said every member of the government exerted a lot of effort over the past period, adding that those who are no longer in the government will be appointed in other positions. Sisi expressed his appreciation for the role of Al Azhar and the Ministry of Awqaf (religious endowments) in correcting misconceptions, addressing extremism and upholding human and moral values. He pointed out to the great challenges Egypt has witnessed over the past years, lauding the solidity of the Egyptian people in facing these challenges out of their desire for a better future. In addition, he stressed that Egyptians were united in face of the forces of evil and darkness that tried to destroy their homeland but the people stood firmly against attempts to divide them. He said the people sacrificed their blood and souls to defend the stability of the country, adding that they patiently tolerated difficult economic conditions and worked to reform the country in order to build a modern state and to impress the world with their achievements in many fields. At the conclusion of his speech, Sisi prayed to God to keep the state on the good and constructive path and provide the people with more will, restraint and vigilance. He also urged people to be productive in work, to perform their work in a perfect way and excel in all aspects of life. Sisi honored 10 of the memorizers of the Holy Quran from Egypt and the world, who won the international competition for memorizing and interpreting the Quran, which was organized by the Ministry of Awqaf. Sisi awarded the memorizers of the Quran certificates of appreciation and financial prizes. He also directed to increase the value of the financial prize amounting to EGP20,000 given to Abdel Rahman Mahdi from Egypt, the winner of the first place of the Quran memorizing contest held for persons with disabilities.
