CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has called on the army to stand prepared to carry out any mission inside or outside the country to protect its national security. “Be prepared to carry out any mission, here inside out borders, or if necessary, outside our borders,” El Sisi was quoted by Egypt’s official news agency (MENA) as saying. He made this statement while addressing Air Force units of the Western Military District, which is also responsible for protecting the 1,200-kilometer border with Libya. He toured the air base where state TV showed him watching fighter jets and helicopters taking off. El Sisi said many unknown activities are taking place in the western border with Libya, adding that Egyptian air, border and special fries have been securing this border for seven years. “The Egyptian army remains one of the strongest in the region, but it is an army that protects, not threatens, and this is our invariable doctrine,” El Sisi said. “If you need to take any action in the western region, be prepared for any tasks within our borders, and, if necessary, beyond them.” “I am pleased to meet with you today and I am confident in the high preparedness and professionalism of the armed forces, special forces and the Air Force, and that they are ready for any mission,” added El Sisi. He thanked the military for maintaining the border with Libya “throughout last seven years.” Earlier this month, Egypt called for a ceasefire in Libya as part of an initiative, which also proposed an elected Presidential Council for the country. — Agencies