Egypt lobbying for support for efforts to attain PSC seat

Assistant Foreign Minister Amgad Abdel Ghaffar has met with ambassadors of members of the AU Peace and Security Council in Cairo in an effort to lobby for support for Egypt's bid to attain a three-year membership at the PSC.

Egypt is eyeing North Africa's seat at the PSC.

Egypt has officially applied for the membership, said Abdel Ghaffar in a statement on Saturday.

Fifteen new members will be elected on the sidelines of the 28th regular session of the AU's Executive Council to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January, Abdel Ghaffar added.

The new members should assume their posts in April, he noted.

Egypt's efforts to join the PSC coincide with its successful bid to join the UN Security Council, the diplomat said. Egypt's membership at the UNSC should start in January, he noted.

In so doing, Egypt aims to coordinate the agendas of the PSC and UNSC, Abdel Ghaffar said, adding that being a member of both councils will positively affect Africa.

Egypt would act as a link between the two councils, should it win the PSC seat, the diplomat further said, noting this will sure serve Africa's interests.

Abdel Ghaffar has underlined the need to adopt a comprehensive approach when dealing with African issues, taking into consideration global changes and new challenges, such as the cross-border organized crime and terrorism.

Source: MENA