Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held a meeting on Friday with permanent delegates of Eastern European countries in New York as part of ongoing efforts to promote Egypt's nomination for a non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council.

At the beginning of the meeting, the top diplomat hailed the distinguished historical relations binding Egypt and the Eastern Europe countries.

He pointed out to his recent tour of Poland, Czech and Hungary, stressing Egypt's keenness to develop the relations with the Eastern Europe countries in political, economic and trade fields to achieve the common interests.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Badr Abdel Aaty said that Shoukry reviewed the file of the Egyptian candidacy for the UNSC non-permanent membership for the sixth time.

"Shoukry stressed that Egypt deserves the membership given that it is a founding member of the United Nations and has shouldered a prominent role in the efforts aiming at preserving international peace and security throughout the past decades," the spokesman said.

"Egypt has been involved in efforts to boost the international joint action within the UN to achieve the collective security," Shoukry added.

He reiterated Egypt's full commitment toward the establishment of a multi-parties international system which has more ability and flexibility to face challenges and respond to the aspirations of the peoples.

The spokesman added that Shoukry tackled Egypt's pivotal role in achieving stability in the Middle East and Africa.

Shoukry also discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and Egypt's efforts to lift an Israeli blockade on the coastal enclave and support the Palestinian people.

He also took up the situation in South Sudan and the exerted efforts to peacefully settle the crisis there.

The spokesman said that the permanent delegates of the Eastern Europe countries voiced their support for Egypt's nomination for the Security Council non-permanent seat for 2016/2017.