Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he will participate in the opening session of the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) on April 27 in New York as Egypt has a prominent role in drafting a resolution on establishing a nuclear-free Middle East.

Speaking to MENA correspondent here, Shoukry said this year marks the 20th since the draft resolution was made with no steps taken by NPT parties for its activation.

The foreign minister said his current visit to New York aims to mobilize support for Egypt’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (2016-2017 term), adding he will continue meetings with different geographic groups.

Shoukry said he met yesterday with the groups representing the European Union, Africa and Arab world.