Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellati attended a ceremony at the UN Security Council to unveil a memorial plaque honoring permanent representatives who died while in service. The event took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The plaque was unveiled in collaboration with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ivorian Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Nialy Kaba.
The memorial plaque was initiated by Egypt's permanent mission to the UN to commemorate Dr. Mahmoud Azmi, Egypt's third permanent representative to the UN, who passed away on November 3, 1954, while attending a Security Council session. Dr. Azmi suffered a heart attack during a discussion on the Middle East situation. He was a prominent figure in Egyptian journalism, thought, and diplomacy during the first half of the 20th century.
Born in 1889 in Egypt's Sharqia governorate, Dr. Azmi earned a doctorate in law, economics, and political science from Paris in 1912. He had a distinguished career in journalism and thought, advocating for press freedom and national independence. Dr. Azmi served as editor-in-chief of several newspapers and contributed to the establishment and editing of others. He later transitioned to international work, representing Egypt in international forums and playing a significant role in human rights and freedom of expression.
Dr. Azmi served as chairman of the UN Human Rights Committee and, in 1954, became Egypt's permanent representative to the UN in New York. He continued to defend Egyptian and Arab interests, particularly the Palestinian cause, until his death while in service. Minister Abdellati emphasized that the initiative acknowledges Dr. Azmi's contributions during the founding period of the UN and his role in defending Egyptian and Arab positions.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister highlighted Dr. Azmi's legacy as a model of Egyptian diplomacy, dedicated to his country and its causes. The memorial plaque serves as a tribute to Dr. Azmi's national and diplomatic career. The plaque also honors other deceased permanent representatives, including Russians Andrei Vyshinsky and Vitaly Churkin, and Ivorian Bernard Tanoh Bouchoue.
The memorial plaque is located outside the UN Security Council chamber in New York. Minister Abdellati expressed appreciation for the initiative, which recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of diplomats who died in service. The event was attended by senior UN officials and representatives of various countries.
The unveiling of the memorial plaque is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Mahmoud Azmi and other diplomats who gave their lives in service to their countries. Egypt's initiative to commemorate Dr. Azmi's contributions has been welcomed by the international community. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to the principles of diplomacy and cooperation.
Key points
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellati participates in unveiling a memorial plaque at the UN Security Council to honor late permanent representatives who died in service.
- The plaque commemorates Dr. Mahmoud Azmi, Egypt's third permanent representative to the UN, who died in 1954 while attending a Security Council session.
- The initiative acknowledges Dr. Azmi's contributions to Egyptian diplomacy and his role in defending national and Arab interests.
