Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said in a United Nations speech on Wednesday that he aims to build a state that respects “rights and freedoms” and “ensures the coexistence of its citizens without exclusion or discrimination”.

He added that, since his election in June, he has sought to build a “civil democratic state,” by following a national roadmap agreed upon by the military.

This “new” state should “guarantee freedom of speech and religion,” and is to have strong institutions governed by the rule of law, according to Al-Sisi.

Al-Sisi said the Egyptian government has been working towards “growth” and “prosperity” to ensure the foundations of a free-market, “investor-friendly” economy.

Al-Sisi also stated that countries should coordinate and cooperate to confront “extremist forces and the crisis of terrorism facing the region”.

Egypt has been cooperating with Libya’s neighbours on an initiative to end terrorism in Libya, Al-Sisi said. He added that states must not compromise with terrorists in Syria.

The Palestinian issue is to remain a top priority for Egypt, Al-Sisi said, adding that Arab national security is a concern for Egypt’s national security.

In Egypt, security forces have killed over a thousand people since then defence minister, Al-Sisi ousted former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, according to reports by Human Rights Watch.

Security forces have also detained around 41,000 people over the past year, according to the online database WikiThawra.