Photo courtesy of Egypt Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The meeting was held at the Arab League’s General Secretariat headquarters in Cairo after Fahmy began his term on 1 July, following the unanimous approval of his appointment by the Arab states.
FM Abdelatty said Fahmy’s appointment reflected the Arab states’ full confidence in his extensive diplomatic experience and distinguished capabilities, wishing him success in carrying out his new responsibilities.
He affirmed Egypt’s full support for the secretary-general and for his vision to develop the Arab League’s working mechanisms, particularly in the political, economic, and social fields.
Abdelatty stressed the Arab League’s central role as the umbrella framework for joint Arab action, saying stronger coordination among member states was needed to serve shared Arab interests.
He added that the political, security, economic, and social challenges facing Arab countries require greater solidarity through the Arab League, as no single state can address such shared challenges alone.
The minister also reiterated the Egyptian leadership's full support for Fahmy in carrying out his responsibilities.
The meeting addressed key regional developments, including the Palestinian cause and the situations in Lebanon, Sudan, and Libya, as well as the latest developments in negotiations between the United States and Iran.
For his part, Fahmy thanked Abdelatty for the visit and said he was honoured by the confidence placed in him by Egypt's leadership and the unanimous support of Arab states for his appointment.
He affirmed his keenness to work in close coordination with member states to strengthen joint Arab action and develop the Arab League’s performance, enabling it to keep pace with regional and international challenges, support security and stability, and meet the aspirations of Arab peoples.
The meeting came less than a week after Fahmy officially assumed office as secretary-general of the League of Arab States on 1 July, succeeding Ahmed Aboul Gheit after his decade-long tenure at the helm of the Cairo-based organization.
The handover ceremony was held at the Arab League's General Secretariat in Cairo, after which Fahmy received briefings on regional political developments and chaired an expanded meeting with assistant secretaries-general to outline priorities for the next phase.
Fahmy’s appointment followed months of Egyptian and Arab diplomatic backing.
Arab foreign ministers unanimously endorsed Egypt's nomination of the former foreign minister in March. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi later met both Aboul Gheit and Fahmy ahead of the leadership transition, reaffirming Egypt's support for the Arab League as the main framework for defending Arab interests and strengthening joint Arab action.
In earlier remarks following his meeting with El-Sisi, Fahmy said the Arab world was facing an exceptionally sensitive and complex regional and international environment, citing repeated violations of international law, the continued occupation of Arab territories, restrictions on the right to self-determination, excessive use of force, and infringements on state sovereignty.
He also called for a more proactive Arab approach based on strategic planning, early preparedness, risk prevention, and stronger cooperation among Arab states.
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