President Kutesa holds bilateral meetings with the Egyptian Foreign Minister; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia; and the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of Uganda

New York – 24 April 2015

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly

Meeting with H.E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt

The President of the General Assembly (PGA), H.E. Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa met with H.E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed important issues on the agenda of the 69th session, such as the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Financing for Development, Revitalization of the United Nations General Assembly, and reform of the Security Council. They also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

The PGA and the Minister of Foreign Affairs both stressed the urgency to intensify the fight against terrorism and intolerance and underscored the need to address the current profound and complex challenges, including the rise of radicalization and violent extremism that the world is facing.

Meeting with H.E. Mr. Abdusalam Hadiye Omer, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion, Federal Republic of Somalia

President Kutesa also met with H.E. Mr. Abdusalam Hadiye Omer, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Briefing the President on the situation and reconstruction efforts in Somalia, the Minister expressed his appreciation for the United Nations’ commitment and the international community’s intervention in his country. The Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined the fact that despite the many challenges Somalia is facing, major positive changes have been made and that the government is making every effort to ensure political inclusiveness and economic rehabilitation, while reinforcing security and stability.

President Kutesa reiterated the support of the General Assembly for ongoing efforts to achieve peace, stability, reconstruction and sustainable development in Somalia.

 

Meeting with Hon. Maria Emily Lubega Mutagamba, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of the Republic of Uganda

The President of the General Assembly also met with the Honourable Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of the Republic of Uganda. The PGA and the Minister discussed priorities of the 69th session, as they relate to tourism, wildlife and the preservation of cultural antiquities.

Briefing the Minister on the 13th United Nations Crime Congress he attended earlier this month in Doha, Qatar, the PGA highlighted the Special High-Level event on Wildlife that was held on the sidelines of the Congress, during which he underscored the importance of addressing wildlife and forest crime within the context of crime prevention and criminal justice.

President Kutesa and the Honourable Maria Mutagamba emphasized the need to implement existing international legal instruments and commitments and further enhance international coordination to combat the illegal trade in wildlife. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Patrick Mugoya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of the Republic of Uganda.