Sisi promises better dialogue with youth in Cairo University speech

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a presidential decree on Sunday stating that all university students with outstanding performances during the last school year should be recognized, and promising to increase the number of scholarships for students overseas.

The president issued the decree during a speech at Cairo University’s graduation ceremony for 27 outstanding students from universities nationwide, including Al-Azhar.

“I admit the country was unable to communicate in the right way with Egyptian youth,” expressed Sisi, who added that a youth council would soon be formed, which would be in direct contact with government officials and train future leaders. “I want Egyptian youth close to me,” he added.

He urged students to participate in national projects and warned against involvement in destructive activities.

Also in attendance were Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb, Defense Minister Sedky Sobhy, and a number of other state officials and media representatives.

According to state-owned Al-Ahram, Sisi asked the outstanding university graduates to have their photograph taken with graduates from the police and military academies, to show that all graduates are equal and united.

The president said that the celebration would become an annual event at the end of each school year.

Sisi’s speech comes amid heightened security on university campuses following clashes during the last school year, and a controversial new university draft law allowing the firing of faculty without investigation.

Universities have witnessed violent conflict between students for and against the deposing of former President Mohamed Morsi by Egypt's military last year, when Sisi was head of the Armed Forces. 

Special security measures were reportedly in place for the visit, with Sisi arriving at Cairo University by helicopter.