Your Excellencies .. Distinguished Guests, my dear colleagues, Peace Be Upon You,

It is my pleasure to welcome you all in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh “The City of Peace” in Egypt, Gift of the Nile, and the cradle of civilization and history, as we host the ninth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which is the largest forum that discusses the issues of preventing and fighting corruption worldwide. Throughout history, Egypt has been a model of coexistence between various cultures and ethnicities, making it an ideal destination for harmonious collaboration. Egypt’s policies of consensus-building and compromise have allowed it to play a decisive role in resolving critical issues. Egypt’s political will was central to the convergence of viewpoints which have helped its allies realize peace, security, prosperity, and development for all.

Given Egypt’s international roles and responsibilities, we are very proud to host global anti-corruption experts to participate in the most prominent event on preventing and fighting corruption. This conference represents a key platform for us all to discuss how we can protect and safeguard the assets of our people, and to emphasize on our commitment to changing our world for the better no matter how difficult the challenges for the sake of those whom we are responsible for. Once again, I welcome you all to Egypt hoping for better and more connected world, and wishing that we can provide our communities with all the hopes and aspirations that the future may hold for. I wish you all the success in this Conference, and I hope its decisions will reflect the great responsibility entrusted to us, especially during time of crisis and emergency, to provide a decent life that is replete with justice, prosperity, and development for our people.

Peace Be Upon You,