Egypt to hold forum for UN representatives on August 30

Egypt will hold a forum for permanent representatives of the United Nations in the coastal city of El-Alamein on August 30-31, an Egyptian diplomat said.

The forum will tackle challenges and threats facing the international community, mainly international peace and security issues, said Ambassador Hisham Badr, assistant foreign minister for multilateral affairs and international security.

The forum came as part of for Egypt's efforts to obtain a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2016-2017.

Badr said the forum reflects Egypt's keenness on developing the UN to positively respond to the current international challenges, including fighting against terrorism and banning the organized crime.

The forum will include four sessions aiming at providing comprehensive vision in order to enhance the international and regional peace and security in order to link them with sustainable development.

Egypt will prioritize challenges facing the UN during the country's planned term in the Security Council, he noted.

Egypt announced its bid to win the seat at the UN General Assembly in September 2014.

Jordan is currently the only Arab country sitting on the council among the 10 non-permanent members, who are traditionally elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.

Egypt sat on the Security Council as a non-permanent member in 1946, 1949-1950, 1984-1985, and 1996-1997.