Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, spokesperson for the health ministry, emphasized in a statement issued on Friday that Egypt's selection reflects its leadership in the Arab pharmaceutical market.

The agency aims to strengthen regional leadership in pharmaceutical innovation, improve public health, attract investments, and facilitate drug trade within the region, he added.

The agency will work to create a unified regulatory framework for drug approval across Arab countries, fostering regional and international cooperation to enhance research and development.

It will also provide training and technical support to pharmaceutical regulatory bodies while ensuring safe access to new medicines, the statement read.

The agency's founding principles do not require Arab countries to adopt a unified purchasing or registration system for medicines unless agreed upon by all states, the statement added.

The idea of the Arab Drug Agency originated from a proposal Egypt presented in March 2022.

This led to extensive discussions culminating in the final approval of Egypt as the host during the 114th session of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League in September 2024.