Armed Forces have constant strategic orientation towards peace

The Egyptian Armed Forces have a constant strategic orientation towards peace which is a part of Egypt's policy. Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of defense and military production Monday told officers and men of the central command that maintaining armed forces which are strong and capable and at a high level of combat efficiency is foremost among the goals of the political command in Egypt because this is the real guarantee to protect peace.

"Strong-armed forces are the shields of the nation that protects the achievements of the people and secures their march towards development," he said.

Tantawi conveyed the greetings of President Hosni Mubarak, Supreme Commander of the Armed forces on the anniversary of the liberation of Sinai.

"President Mubarak always feels proud of the armed forces that set an example to be followed in performance under all conditions," he said referring to the care given by the supreme commander to combatants and their families.

Field Marshal Tantawi said that the Egyptian armed forces are now in a much better condition than they were in October 1973.

Tantawi said the armed forces have strong and distinguished relations with the outside world.

This made friendly and sisterly countries keen to arrange joint military exercises with the Egyptian armed forces.

The commander-in-chief said these exercises are important to develop and deepen these relations, exchange experience and transfer knowledge and technology in the field of arms and training.

"This goes side-by-side with responding to an international wish that we take part in peace-keeping operations in view of the high reputation and confidence acquired by our forces as a result of their participation in several peace keeping operations in areas of conflict," he said.

"This has become a decisive element in development, modernization and aims at keeping peace with the revolution of science and technology in a new century."

The Commander-in-Chief reviewed with officers and men developments at the regional and international level and discussed with them their requests and wishes.

He urged continued training to face any aggression at all times because the armed forces are the mainstay of peace.

Chief of Staff LT. General Magdi Hatata attended the meeting, commanders of the main branches of the armed forces and senior officers of the Armed forces.