Egypt’s national dialogue kicks off after year of preparation

ISTANBUL

Egypt’s national dialogue kicked off Wednesday with several political and civil society groups and labor unions taking part.

The national dialogue session took place after a year of preparation and the release of nearly 1,400 prisoners of conscience, according to the Egyptian state news agency MENA.

At the opening session, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stressed his support for the dialogue and vowed to "provide all means to ensure its success and activate its outcomes within a framework of democracy and effective political practice."

"Differences in opinion shall not divide us," said al-Sisi, adding the dialogue aims to "draw a roadmap of a promising and bright future that befits our children and grandchildren."

On Monday, the general coordinator of the national dialogue, Diaa Rashwan, announced that it was set to launch on Wednesday with the aim of reaching a consensus on what best serves the nation and its citizens.

The National Dialogue Council's board of trustees is formed of 19 members representing Egyptian society, including opposition figures.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar