Shoukry leaves for New York to take part in election of UN non-permanent members

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry left here on Monday for New York on a several days' visit during which he will take part in a UN General Assembly session to elect five non-permanent UN members for 2016-2017, including Egypt.

Egypt's participation in the session crowns strenuous efforts exerted over the past few months according to an integrated plan outlined by the Foreign Ministry to promote for Egypt's membership at the UN Security Council and win an international backing for the bid.

The Egyptian top diplomat had several meetings with senior UN officials and foreign ministers of African, European, Asian and Latin American countries to garner support for Egypt's move at the UN.

The Foreign Ministry also dispatched delegates to a number of heads of state requesting support to Egypt's nomination for a non-permanent seat at the UN.

Shoukry's itinerary in New York will include a number of meetings with the foreign ministers of the countries which have not yet stated their position regarding the voting process.

The Egyptian top diplomat will also deliver Egypt's speech at a ministerial meeting of the UN on woman and peace. He will also promote for Egypt's nomination in front of more than 600 guests at a ceremony organized by Egypt's permanent mission at the UN at the Metropolitan Museum on the eve of the election day.

The event will include an exhibition on Egyptian civilization as well as meetings with USA media outlets to tackle the latest political, economic and social developments in Egypt.

Source: MENA