Sisi Reaffirms Media Pivotal Role in Countering Extremism

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met Sunday with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of State for Information, Osama Heikal, according to Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady. 

“The president underscored the importance of the media’s role in shaping the citizens’ awareness and in displaying all opinions, orientations and opposing viewpoints, in light of the developments at the national and international levels,” Rady said. 

He pointed out that Sisi also highlighted the role of the media in consolidating societal values and fundamentals and in rebutting extremist ideology. 

Moreover, President Sisi stressed the need for the ministry of state for information to work on enhancing these messages by formulating the relevant media policies and by achieving coordination and harmony within the media system, including the national agencies and institutions regulating the press and media in Egypt.

Sisi confirmed the importance of enhancing the concept of professional media in Egypt within a disciplined framework so as to keep up with the huge progress in the field of media in the world. 

This shall enable it to counter the spread of rumors and to promptly engage with the rapid pace of events in the region, while adhering to the standards of professional media and focusing on the youth and new generations so as to contribute to the state’s efforts to enhance the Egyptian citizen.

On his part, Heikal reviewed the aspects of the Egyptian media’s strategy and steps that will be taken at the short and long terms, in light of the regional and international developments. This shall take place within the framework of a media policy that aims to achieve more openness on all political actors and stakeholders; enhance the impact of the Egyptian media locally and regionally; convey the reality of Egypt’s image, history and civilization; promote societal awareness and provide insight on the mega and developmental projects currently being implemented in Egypt. 

The newly-appointed minister confirmed that the ministry of state for information seeks to leverage the human capabilities and expertise in the field of media and to enhance the mechanisms and criteria for the selection, training and institutional development of national cadres.