Egypt Unanimously Chosen to Lead Counter-Terrorism Committee at the United Nations

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi addressing the 69th Session of the General Assembly in 2014.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has chosen to appoint Egypt as the head of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), reported the Middle East News Agency.

According to MENA, Egypt was unanimously chosen by member states voting in the UNSC to lead the CTC from January 2016.

The CTC, established after the 11 September terror attacks in the United States of America, is considered the most important counter-terrorism body in the United Nations. The CTC monitors the implementation of member states’ responsibilities towards Resolution 1373. These responsibilities include implementing measures to counter terrorism in each member state.

Egypt’s appointment as head of the CTC comes after Egypt secured a seat in the Security Council with 179 votes.

Egypt, which enjoyed regional support for its bid, was virtually guaranteed the seat but officials and representatives campaigned heavily in the lead-up to the vote.

Ahead of the vote for a non-permanent position in the UNSC, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs declared his country’s support to eradicating terrorism and empowering women.

“Women are among those most vulnerable to terrorism. We will work to give priority to this issue during our upcoming UNSC membership,” the Foreign Minister said.

Egypt will be replacing Lithuania as the head of the CTC and will hold a non-permanent position as a member of the Security Council until 31 December 2017.