Egypt Celebrates UNSC Candidacy with Gala Dinner in New York
FM Shoukrey delivers his remarks
On Tuesday, 13 October the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted a gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in honor of Egypt’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the 2016-2017 UN Security Council (UNSC). Just a few days later, on Thursday, 15 October, Egypt was officially elected to the Security Council for the fifth time since 1945, receiving 179 out of 193 votes.
The gala, which took place in the Metropolitan Museum’s Temple of Dendur exhibit, included remarks from Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawaas, and performances by stars from the musical Akhenaten, directed by Egyptian native Hisham Abdel Khalek.
“As a founding member of the United Nations, Egypt played a significant role in keeping international peace and security during the past decades. Egypt, as a country of a great political weight, has been committed to achieving global peace and security, as stated in the Purposes and Principles of the Charter,” said Minister Shoukry.
During remarks shortly before Egypt’s election to the Security Council, Minister Shoukry addressed the United Nations and asserted that Egypt’s UNSC tenure will be “governed by ‘a set of principles’ in the Council to preserve support for Africa and to affirm African sovereignty and regional integrity.”
For more information on Egypt’s Security Council candidacy and historic role in fostering peace, stability and security, please see the following fact sheet compiled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
