Egypt's UN envoy hails 75th session debates over COVID-19

CAIRO, Sept 23 (MENA) - Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Mohamed Idris has said Tuesday's debates during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly acquire special importance in the aftermath of the spread of COVID-19 in the world.

A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said that Egypt took part since the start of COVID-19 in many UN initiatives to deal with the pathogen impact due to its economic and social effects on African and developing countries and to maintain the sustainable development goals.

During the session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for global solidarity to overcome the COVID-19, and called for a global ceasefire during the pandemic, by the end of the year.

Guterres characterized the pandemic from the podium as “not only a wake-up call” but “a dress rehearsal” for challenges to come.

“In an interconnected world, it is high time to recognize a simple truth: solidarity is self-interest. If we fail to grasp that fact, everyone loses”, he said, delivering his annual report on the work of the Organization.

The Secretary-General underscored the need for solidarity at this moment, particularly as countries least capable to address COVID-19 have received far too little assistance. He urged the UN’s 193 Member States to move forward in humility and unity in the face of the disease.

“And we must be guided by science and tethered to reality”, he added. “Populism and nationalism have failed. Those approaches to contain the virus have often made things manifestly worse.”