G20 Summit: Sisi Meets UN Secretary General

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a meeting Saturday with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.

At the outset of the meeting, El-Sisi welcomed the UN Secretary General, affirming Egypt's support for the UN efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security.

Official spokesman for the presidency Bassam Rady said that the president also stressed that Egypt praises the UN role in pushing forward efforts of sustainable development.

On his part, Guterres expressed his appreciation for the extended cooperation between Egypt and the UN, especially through Egypt's active participation in the Organization’s various activities worldwide.

He stressed the importance of Egypt's pivotal role in Africa and the Middle East, pointing out to the UN keenness to strengthen cooperation with Egypt and consolidate the foundations of peace and security.

Regarding Egypt’s current presidency of the African Union AU, the Secretary-General confirmed that the UN relies on Egypt's vital role to strengthen and deepen the strategic partnership with the AU.

In this regard, El-Sisi stressed the country’s aspiration to promote cooperation between the two organizations in light of Egypt’s initiative to cement common African action for the implementation of the 2030 and 2063 development agendas.

He also stressed the country’s plans to address the challenges of peace and security faced by the African continent and to enhance peace building efforts.

Rady added that the meeting tackled the latest developments on a number of regional issues and files, especially the Libyan situation.

The president affirmed Egypt's firm foreign policy in this regard, which is based on the importance of preserving the unity and integrity of Libya, and safeguarding the capabilities of its people.

He also pointed out to the importance of supporting its national institutions to enable it to carry out its duties in maintaining security and combating terrorism.

The spokesman added that El-Sisi and Guterres agreed on continuing coordination and consultations between Egypt and the United Nations on this issue during the upcoming period.