"Egypt peoples have new hopes and high expectations on new Egypt".
Dr. Hany Selim, Eygpt Amb. to South Korea told so to the audiences, gathered at the Amb's Residence on June 23rd luncheon reception to mark the occasion of the 2014 Revolution Day one month earlier than actual date July 23, referring to a fact that Former army chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has been sworn in as Egypt's new President, after winning elections in May.
▲ Dr. Hany Selim, Egypt Amb. to South Korea (third from left), flanked by Amb. Choi Sung-joo for International Security Affairs, MOFAT (left) & Amb. Dato Haji Harun Ismail, dean of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps.(right) poses with envoys to mark the 2014 Egypt Republic Day which heralds new start of new leadership in Egypt. |
Through Egypt President election held on last May this year, Mr Sisi's victory came almost a year after he ousted Egypt's first freely elected president, Mohamed Morsi, following mass protests against his rule. In the May elections, Mr Sisi secured 96.9% of the vote and his sole challenger, left-winger Hamdeen Sabahi, received only 3.1%. Turnout was less than 50%.
During his inaugural speech, Mr. Sisi said: "Throughout its extended history over thousands of years, our country has never witnessed a democratic peaceful handover of power." At the swearing-in, the Supreme Constitutional Court deputy head, Maher Sami also said the ousting was not a coup, and that Mr Sisi had responded to the will of the people.
▲ Showing her V sign, Mme. Selim (third from left, front row) flanked by Mrs. Aouatef Sahraoui, spouse of Algeria Amb.(left) & Mrs. Maria Ligaya Tolentino Abeleda Fujita, spouse of Brazil Amb. (right), poses with wives of diplomatic missions in Seoul at the opening ceremony. |
As a return address, Amb.; Choi Sung-joo for International Security Affairs of MOFAT who was on hand, congratulated on the new start of new leadership in Egypt after May this year, saying that this year's Republic Day for Egypt is more meaningful than ever.
After forging diplomatic ties each other on 1995 a little late compared with other African countries from the standpoint of Korea, the two countries have been showing a potential to be developed further, said Amb. Choi, stressing: "We are ready to cooperate with new Government of Egypt in all areas"
▲ Dr. Hany Selim, Eygpt Amb. to South Korea & Mme. Selim welcoming Costa Rica Amb. Manuel Lopez Trigo at the their Residence in a reception to mark the 2014 Egypt Republic Day, held one month earlier than its actual day July 23rd. |
intl Editor Yeo Hong-il
bodo@ndnnews.co.kr