Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry had talks on Wednesday in New York with Secretary General-designate Antonio Guterres, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

In statements on Thursday, Ahmed Abu Zeid said Shoukry congratulated Guterres on assuming his post next month.

Shoukry stressed Egypt's keenness on offering all needed support for developing UN working mechanisms and confronting all challenges facing the international organization, especially in view of the Middle East crises.

Meanwhile, the new UN chief expressed gratitude for Egypt's support for his nomination for such top post.

Guterres hailed the key role played by Egypt as a cornerstone for regional and international stability, citing also the strenuous efforts exerted by Egypt - as a UN Security Council member - to secure a better climate for restoring peace and security in the Middle East and Africa.

Guterres stressed keenness on bolstering coordination with Egypt in the coming period.

The talks tackled the crises facing the Middle East, especially Libya, Syria and Yemen, as well as means of supporting the Palestinian cause, Abu Zeid said.

The talks also addressed the UN priorities in the coming period and how the international organization would handle several important files, the spokesman said.

Source: MENA