Today, President Hosni Mubarak told more than 6,700 delegates of the National Democratic Party that Egypt must embark on a bold path toward energy independence in order to maintain and enhance the country's competitive and economic advantages in the region and around the world.
"The preservation of Egypt's national security and sovereignty in a difficult and conflict-ridden region is the motivation for seeking independent energy resources," said the President. "A sustainable energy program for Egypt can be achieved only through securing the supplies for and production of electricity, water and other energy resources. Part of this sustainable energy program will include a peaceful nuclear energy initiative."
Under the new energy plan, Egypt would build a series of nuclear power plants to provide inexpensive, reliable and clean energy to the Egyptian people.
Today's announcement is one part of the National Democratic Party's platform to meet the energy and economic needs of all Egyptian people. The energy platform, as adopted by the delegates of the NDP, includes the development of energy projects in Egypt, attracting investment in renewable energy infrastructure, and investment in non-traditional energy resources.
The goal of the NDP is to create strong and secure energy resources and infrastructure that will make Egypt a regional center for exchanging oil, natural gas, and electricity.
The more than 6,700 conference delegates are gathered in Cairo from November 3-6 for the 9th General Convention of the National Democratic Party. This is the first convening of the party since 2002. This year's conference was marked by the first open election of party leadership, including the election of President Mubarak as head of the Party.
Conference delegates will debate and vote on the party's policies on a wide range of issues, including energy, national security, education, healthcare and political and economic reforms.
Editors Note: This information has been distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC. on behalf of Mr. Ahmed Ezz. More information is available at the U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.