Egypt’s Sisi says World Youth Forum to be held annually

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi agreed during a peace marathon at the World Youth Forum in Sharm El-Shiekh on Wednesday to a proposal to hold the forum annually, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.

The president also asked the youth participating in the marathon to “convey a message of peace from Egypt to their countries”, stressing the necessity of solidarity against terrorism.

“The threat of terrorism is destructive to humanity and mankind,” he added.

Egypt’s first World Youth Forum kicked off on Sunday and will continue until 10 November in the country’s South Sinai resort city.

The forum has attracted thousands of participants from around the world, with official delegations from 52 states as well as youth representatives from 113 countries.

Sisi gave the opening speech on Sunday, calling on participants to observe a minute of silence for the victims of terrorism and war all over the world.

He said that Egypt’s organising of the international event is “inspired by his sincere belief that dialogue is the only way to overcome challenges.”