Arab foreign ministers unanimously agreed on Sunday to appoint Egyptian diplomat Nabil Fahmi as the next Secretary-General of the Arab League.
Fahmi’s Appointment Confirmed
Egyptian media reported that the ministers of foreign affairs from Arab countries unanimously agreed to nominate Egyptian diplomat Nabil Fahmi to the position of Secretary-General of the Arab League during a video conference.
Succession of Ahmad Abu al-Ghajt
Fahmi will succeed his compatriot, Ahmad Abu al-Ghajt, whose second term ends in June.
Appointment Process and Tradition
According to the Arab League Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes. While the Charter does not specify a particular nationality for the position, it has traditionally been held by an Egyptian, with the exception of Tunisian Chedli Klibi, who served from 1979–1990, reflecting Cairo’s role within the organization.
Fahmi’s Diplomatic Career
Nabil Fahmi served as Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013–2014. He was also Egypt’s ambassador to the United States from 1999–2008 and to Japan from 1997–1999.
He is the son of Ismail Fahmi, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1973–1977, who resigned from his position in connection with the visit of then-President Anwar Sadat to Jerusalem.
About the Arab League
Founded in 1945, the Arab League comprises 22 member states and aims to coordinate their political, economic, and cultural activities.