Sisi Salutes Workers on Labor Day as 'Symbol of Giving'

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi addressed the Egyptian workers Saturday on the occasion of Labor Day; saluting them and expressing his pride for their "outstanding, productive efforts through work and achievements and for promoting the process of development."

"I salute the workers of Egypt, the base of this country on which we depend to change reality and build the present and future that we all look forward to," Sisi said in his speech according to Presidency Spokesperson Bassam Rady. 

Here the transcript of Sisi's speech:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Following is the President's speech on the occasion of Labor Day:

"In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful,

Great People of Egypt,

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am speaking to you today to celebrate Labor Day. I salute all of you across our beloved Egypt, with pride, for your outstanding, productive efforts through work and achievements and for promoting the process of development. I salute the workers of Egypt, the base of this country on which we depend to change reality and build the present and future that we all look forward to.

Honestly, I want to tell you that there is no more precise standard than work to identify the core of our being whose value is determined by the service and work the citizens provide to their nations; a cornerstone for building the society. All human civilizations have risen by the support of their workers who contributed their efforts and thoughts to develop their homelands until Labor Day became a symbol of giving and sacrifice.

Honorable Workers of Egypt,

Egypt’s keenness to celebrate Labor Day annually reflects its deep respect for the contribution made by workers in various fields of production, and affirms their important national, main role in advancing the process of building and development. On this occasion, we affirm that the Egyptian workers are the real axis for development and strengthening our national economy. Know that the homeland always looks forward to the fruit of your effort and hard, diligent work and sincere.

Throughout the years, Egyptians have been an example to be followed when it comes to attaching great importance to work in various fields, in light of their keenness to build a nation that is characterized by honest struggle and sincere intentions. The successive achievements and mega projects that have been achieved in Egypt over recent years, especially in the areas of infrastructure and urban communities, energy and other fields, are a proof of the Egyptian authentic creativity and the strong will aimed to achieve progress, build a better future and form a strong national economy and a modern industrial base to serve as an engine for this economy. I also assured everyone that the development process is on the right track and sincere and it seeks to achieve the best reality and a decent life for every citizen.

Brothers and Sisters,

Egypt has faced, during the past years, great challenges with economic, social, political and security dimensions. You may have realized that there is no way to overcome these challenges except through continuous hard work and patience regarding the outcomes. The nations are built only by the efforts of their loyal citizens, not by wishes and slogans.

I assure you that without the comprehensive economic reform program carried by the people of Egypt, it would never have been possible to formulate radical solutions to the chronic problems of the Egyptian economy which aggravated over the past years and decades without real solutions. That’s what the State has been addressing through comprehensive scientific procedures, even if they are harsh.

The first signs of economic reform have been manifested in figures that reflect the achievement of positive growth rates. The reformist orientation of the State has also culminated in the launching of a new social contract. Nothing proves that more than the package of measures recently announced which included, inter alia, the pay raise for all employees in the State, the increase in the minimum pensions and the approval of an annual periodic and exceptional allowances. All of these measures affirm, without any doubt, that Egypt is going through a difficult period of its history and reflect the State's appreciation of the sacrifices made by the great people of Egypt that was a partner in the reform process. The Egyptian citizens are the real heroes who made the economic reform program a success and shouldered burdens to help restore the confidence in the Egyptian economy and put it on the right path, not only for this generation but also for the future generations of our children and grandchildren.

Great People of Egypt,

Today, we find ourselves stronger and more determined to move together towards the future with confident and stable steps under solid national institutions. Couple of day ago, you have created a new national epic that will be remembered by the history of modern Egypt with pride. You have dazzled the world, as usual, when millions of you went out to exercise your constitutional rights by participating in the referendum on the constitutional amendments. This was portrayed in one of the civilized scenes in the history of our nation, which have always proved that you are the real protectors of this nation, armed with an indisputable national instinct and fully aware of the challenges facing our beloved Egypt. You have always been stressing that you are keen to complete the process of building, giving, development and achievements and renewing our commitment that all Egyptians will remain united as one against all attempts aimed at getting rid of this country.

Dear Egyptian Workers,

We are witnessing today a rapid change regarding the methods of work and production, which leads us to competition, participation and following up through training, learning from the experiences of other nations and ignite the desire of reform and modernization inside us so as to be able to develop our capabilities for the better and positively affect the human civilization.

I assure you today that those who want to find the right place in the modern era should have the highest degree of dedication, work diligently and strive to cope with the information revolution and the tremendous boom that the world is witnessing regarding innovations and applications of emerging technology.

In conclusion, I remind you that work is the virtue that separates dream from reality. Egypt strives forward in every way to embody this slogan by adopting an ambitious, comprehensive and sustainable development approach for a better future for young and rising generations. We are confident that with determination and persistence, we, with God’s help, can achieve our bright vision that we dream of for this nation.

I salute every worker who perform their duties for the sake of their homeland everywhere. You are the pillar of this society, its main means of survival and continuity, and its driving force towards growth and prosperity. I assure you that you will always find me by your side, biased to your causes and supporting your rights. I renew my deep appreciation for you, your giving and sincere determination. I congratulate you all on your Day and many happy returns.

Long Live Egypt ... Long Live Egypt ... Long Live Egypt.

Peace be upon you"