Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Wednesday asserted that Egypt is committed to the principles the United Nations and would underpin efforts exerted by the organization and its new chief to achieve its goals at the regional and intentional levels. 

During a celebration marking the UN Day, the top diplomat congratulated former prime minister of Portugal Antonio Guterres who has been chosen to succeed Ban Ki-moon as UN Secretary-General.

He voiced happiness for choosing Guterres as the new secretary general, saying Cairo would back his efforts in facing unprecedented changes going on in the region. 

Guterres, the 67-year-old former secretary of Socialist International and head of the UN's refugee agency, will succeed Ban Ki-moon on January 1.

Shoukry extended thanks to Ban Ki-moon for his ten-year term and efforts he exerted to maintain sovereignty of member states, equality and peaceful coexistence. 

As Egypt chairs a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, its mission will boost partnership linking the organization with the African Union to address conflicts in Africa. 

Out of its belief in the key role assumed by the United Nations, Egypt is keen on increasing its participation in the peace-keeping missions, the minister said. 

More than 3,000 Egyptian peace-keepers joined UN police missions world-wide placing it number eight on the list of key participants, he noted.

Source: MENA