Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met Thursday in New York City with the next secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, after concluding a visit to Washington. Shoukry expressed Egypt's confidence that the experienced official will lead the UN with complete independence and transparency, according to a foreign ministry statement from spokesperson Ahmed Abu-Zaid.
Guterres said he appreciated Egypt's support for his bid to run for the international post and underscored the Arab country's importance internationally, and prominent role in maintaining stability and security in the region.
Shoukry discussed with Guterres various issues on the agenda of the United Nations as well as developments in Libya, Iraq, Yemen and the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, emphasising the importance of international organisations tackling issues in the Middle East with complete objectivity and independence.
Shoukry arrived in Washington DC on 1 December, where he met with the US vice president-elect Mike Pence, Secretary of State John Kerry, Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and House Committee on Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry, as well as leaders from the Republican and Democratic parties.
The FM discussed with the US officials the latest economic, social and political developments in Egypt.
