Egypt on Sunday (November 18th) renewed its commitment to continuing its role in global peacekeeping operations during a high-level regional conference in Cairo, Egypt’s Ahram Online reported.
Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Hamdy Loza said Cairo worked to develop peacekeeping missions during its UN Security Council membership, and called for an effective UN role in all stages of peacekeeping and peace-building.
"There is a need to move forward this commitment within a framework that promotes integration and harmony by all actors in peacekeeping missions," Loza said at the conference, organised by the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peace-building.
UN Under-Secretary for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix commended the role Egypt has played in the UN peacekeeping operations as one of the largest contributing countries.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, the UN official said the gathering provides a chance to express recognition of Egypt's efforts in peacekeeping operations and expand co-operation between the UN and contributing countries.
He said the aim is to find new ways to foster co-operation between Egypt and the UN, and reaffirmed support for all efforts to boost African capabilities, especially in fighting terrorism and achieving peace.
Egypt ranks third in the UN peacekeeping operations’ largest contributing countries for the current period, according to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
There are 729 Egyptian officers and police personnel serving in UN peacekeeping operations in various countries, the Ministry of Interior said in 2017.
