UNSC needs to be reformed to reflect today's realities: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India and Egypt have agreed that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) needs to be reformed to reflect today's realities.

Prime Minister Modi in his joint press statement after holding talks with the visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi lauded Egypt for its good work during its current term on the UNSC.

"President El-Sisi and I have agreed to build on multiple pillars of our relationship. We agreed that the United Nations Security Council needs to be reformed to reflect the realities of today," he said.

Prime Minister Modi said Egypt is a natural bridge that connects Asia with Africa.

 

"Here people are the voice of moderate Islam. Your (Egypt) nation is a factor for regional peace and stability. India and Egypt decided to facilitate greater people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges," he added.

The Prime Minister said growing radicalisation and terror pose a threat not only to India and Egypt but to the entire world.

"We are of one view that growing radicalization, violence and spread of terror are a real threat across regions. We also decided to facilitate greater people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. We agreed to further our defence and security engagement which would aim at greater information operational exchanges to combat terrorism," said Prime Minister Modi.

"We also agreed on cooperating on challenges of cyber security and working together to fight transnational crimes and money-laundering," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said India stands ready to be a reliable partner in fulfilment of developmental, economic and security goals of Egypt.

"Egypt and India will also deepen cooperation in agriculture, skill development and health sectors," he added.

India and Egypt have signed an agreement in the area of Maritime Transport to step up co-operation on the seas. The agreement was signed after the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and President El-Sisi.

Earlier in day, President Sisi was accorded ceremonial welcome at the forecourts of the Rashtrapati Bhawan by his counterpart Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi.