Khaberni - The Egyptian candidate Dr. Khaled El-Anany, former Minister of Tourism, has won the position of Director-General of UNESCO, in the elections held on Monday, as announced by the Egyptian presidency.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated in a declaration: "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Khaled El-Anany for his sweeping victory in the UNESCO Executive Board elections, securing 55 out of 57 votes, and his election as the Director-General of the organization, in a historic achievement that adds to the diplomatic and cultural record of Egypt and the achievements of the Arab and African peoples."
El-Sisi added in a statement published by the spokesperson of the presidency that "this well-deserved victory embodies Egypt's civilized stature and confirms the capacity of its people to lead in international forums, reflecting the world's confidence in the Egyptian capabilities that combine knowledge, experience, and dedication."
The presidential statement went on to say: "All the best to Dr. El-Anany in his noble mission, and we are confident that he will contribute to enhancing cultural dialogue and protecting human heritage, befitting Egypt’s civilization and ancient human civilizations."
The Egyptian Ambassador in Paris, Alaa Youssef, also declared Khaled El-Anany's victory as Director-General of UNESCO, as conveyed by the Information Center and Decision Support Center page of the Egyptian government.
Alaa Youssef confirmed that El-Anany "swept the elections with an unprecedented number of votes."
After securing the majority of votes, El-Anany will succeed the French Audrey Azoulay as head of UNESCO.
The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, held intensive meetings in recent days during his visit to Paris to preside over Egypt’s delegation at the UNESCO Executive Board meetings and lead the efforts of the Egyptian candidacy campaign for the position of Director-General of the organization in the elections.
After his victory, Khaled El-Anany said he thanks his country Egypt for standing behind his win and thanks the Arab countries and the African Union for their support, as conveyed by the Egyptian governmental site "Al-Ahram Gate."
El-Anany added: "I thank Egypt, my country that supported my nomination, and I will work for UNESCO without discrimination."
The UNESCO Executive Board voted by a majority of 55 votes in favor of El-Anany, against two votes for the Congolese Edward Firmin Matoko.
