NAM meeting: Egypt affirms respecting sovereign equality, national independence

CAIRO – 23 July 2019: Ambassador Mohamed Idris, Egypt’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations in New York, affirmed the country's firm stance to respect the principles of international law, in accordance with the UN Charter.

During his participation in the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the 120-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) concluded on Sunday in Venezuela's Caracas, Idris stressed in an official statement Egypt's respect to sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

Idris participated in the NAM ministerial meeting held from July 18 to 21 on behalf of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri.

The Egyptian statement praised the strong support for the historic joint goal of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and also the UN Conference set to be held later this year to draft a treaty among the states of the region for this purpose.

Idris referred in the statement to Egypt's active contribution in supporting the NAM, developing it to meet the current global challenges and coordinating the positions of developing countries on the various political, economic and social issues on the agenda of the international system.

The statement also highlighted the current regional and international challenges, especially the settlement of the Palestinian cause through finding a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Monday that over 300 delegates participated in the meeting.

The NAM is the second largest grouping of states, consisting of developing countries that are not officially part of other blocs. It is concerned with ensuring sovereignty, national independence, and security of its member states.