Egypt's Nabil Fahmy named Arab League secretary-general

The Arab League appointed former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy as its new secretary-general on Monday during the 165th ordinary session of the pan-Arab body held in Amman, with the veteran diplomat set to succeed outgoing chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit when he takes office on July 1. Fahmy becomes the ninth person to hold the post since the organization was founded in 1945, and the eighth Egyptian national to serve as secretary-general.

Cairo hails selection

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry welcomed the appointment in a statement issued following the decision in Jordan. "The selection reflects appreciation for the diplomatic experience that Mr. Nabil Fahmy possesses and his long professional career, through which he contributed to supporting Arab action on the regional and international arenas," the ministry said. The statement also expressed hopes for "strengthening joint Arab action, and achieving the aspirations of Arab peoples towards stability and prosperity" during his upcoming term.

Continuity at Cairo-based body

Fahmy's selection marks the continuation of Egyptian leadership at the organization, consolidating Cairo's dominant role within the 22-member bloc. The appointment was finalized during the gathering in the Jordanian capital, where representatives from member states convened to approve the leadership transition.