The Natural Resources with Which We Have Been Blessed, if Properly Utilized, Would Elevate the Status of All Arabs

Translated by Yasmine Mohamed 
Reviewed by Mariam Essa

Sons of Syria and Lebanon,

I am pleased with this event. I had hoped it would take place in the morning, but I would not wish to deprive you of the opportunity to learn about Egypt and its renaissance. There is no doubt that many of you are visiting Egypt for the first time, and there is also no doubt that you have felt the warmth, generosity and appreciation befitting you as young people who represent Arab national pride. Yet, this hospitality cannot compare to the feelings and sentiments that Egyptians hold for all Arabs. Undoubtedly, you have sensed these emotions and feelings; you are the generation that will build the Arab renaissance and the hope that inspires all Arabs.

We must feel pride and dignity. This can only be achieved if we all trust one another. Trust is the first sign of success and we must struggle for this belief. This is not a time of defeat or weakness, but a time of strength, and this strength will only come from holding firmly to this trust. Trust is the primary factor with which we fight foreign exploiters.

There is also a fundamentally mistaken theory claiming that there is no Arab spirit in Egypt. This is completely false; you have seen its inaccuracy during your short visit. The proof of this is that, when I was young, my spirit was always directed toward the Arab world, never toward Europe at all. In my opinion, this is the greatest proof, not mere propaganda or misleading talk because we all feel this spiritual connection; you have experienced it yourselves during this brief journey. Another matter we must understand at this time is that the source of our strength is our patriotism. Our patriotism is the greatest weapon in our hands; we always struggle to preserve it.

Palestine has lost its national identity so we must defend against this danger that threatens us all. We must feel it and believe in it; otherwise, we will move toward destruction. Efforts must unite in support of a strong and noble Arab power.

The greatest responsibility today lies upon all of us, especially the countries that have gained their independence. Syria and Lebanon are required to protect their own independence as well as the independence of others. This responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the youth; in fact, upon all of us.

Another factor we must recognize and place at the forefront is our strategic location. In the past, it was a source of our weakness, occupation, and domination. That was in the past. Today, it must become a source of our strength, greatness and dignity.

Any neglect of this region will harm us and you, Arab youth. The natural resources with which we have been blessed, if properly utilized, would elevate the status of all Arabs. This region contains about 60% of the world’s oil. If the flow of this oil to European armies were stopped, their operations would be paralyzed and they would become motionless armies.

If we interpret these factors into reality, we will achieve strength, pride and dignity. This is your mission, young people. If you falter, outsiders will exploit this weakness and negligence.

Young people,

We have gone through similar circumstances, felt cohesive senses and fought in a lasting struggle that had a great impact across nations. When the struggle in Syria and Lebanon succeeded and they gained independence, Egypt followed them. Our struggle cannot be separated from yours; any unrest in your countries is unrest in ours. You, Arab youth, whose fathers and grandfathers struggled for your freedom, must preserve this precious struggle. You must protect the valuable independence for which your forefathers shed their blood. Keep in mind that Egypt will always stand in the front line; rely on us and entrust us. We hope this short visit will be the beginning of a series of visits through which Arab youth exchange the intellectual progress we always seek. 

We work toward one goal: the advancement of the Arab world, hoping to be among the first to strive for it.

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

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Speech by Gamal Abdel Nasser to the Syrian and Lebanese Youth Delegation

February 26, 1955