Egypt has been elected with a majority-vote for a three-year stint on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), a foreign ministry statement read.

Egypt’s term on the 47-member Geneva-based human rights body will begin 2017 and conclude 2020.

“Egypt joining the [UN] Human Rights Council, in conjunction with its current membership of the [UN] Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, reflects increased confidence in Egypt internationally and its leading role in promoting security and stability in the Middle East and Africa,” the statement added.

In a secret ballot in the 193-member UN General Assembly, Egypt received 173 votes. The United States was elected with 175 votes, and the United Kingdom with 173 votes.

Japan received 177 votes, Saudi Arabia 152 votes, Hungary 144 votes, Brazil 137 votes, China 180 votes and Rwanda 176 votes.

This is the second time Egypt has won a seat in the UNHRC since it’s establishment in 2006. The first term ran between 2007 and 2010.

In October 2015, Egypt won a two-year stint as a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council, which began early this year.

In early 2016, Egypt secured a seat on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council for a three-year stint.