Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on Tuesday and expressed Egypt’s keenness to support the UN agency that provides basic services to Palestine refugees. Shoukry also called on the international community to continue its financial and political backing for UNRWA, regardless of any political considerations.
According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Abu Zeid, Lazzarini briefed Shoukry on the challenges that UNRWA faces in delivering its services to Palestine refugees, due to its budget deficit. Shoukry stressed that UNRWA’s work is urgently needed in light of the current regional conditions, and praised the agency’s efforts to seek non-traditional sources of funding.
Shoukry also discussed with Lazzarini the developments of the Palestinian issue and informed him of the results of Egypt’s contacts with various parties to calm down the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He also shared Egypt’s vision to support the peace process and preserve the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Lazzarini thanked Egypt for its efforts to support UNRWA and mobilize international support for its sustainability. He also expressed his keenness to coordinate and consult with Egypt on how to enhance UNRWA’s capabilities to carry out its tasks towards Palestine refugees.
