Egypt’s Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali has been chosen to become the new director-general of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and the executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

“Minister Wali has the experience and efficiency qualifying her for this important position, which will serve the best interest of member countries and achieve the office’s goals in facing the challenges resulting from organised crime and the spread of drugs and addiction,” the ministry said.

The ministry also expressed its appreciation for UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ efforts to support international peace, security and sustainable development.

“Egypt fully supports these efforts and provides all it can to achieve these joint goals,” the statement said.