Arab foreign ministers back Egypt’s Nabil Fahmy for Arab League chief

CAIRO – 29 March 2026: Arab foreign ministers on Sunday unanimously endorsed Egypt’s nomination of veteran diplomat Nabil Fahmy for the post of Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, succeeding current chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The recommendation was made during the Arab League Council’s 165th regular ministerial session, which focused largely on regional developments, particularly recent Iranian attacks on several Arab countries.

He is set to officially assume his duties on 1 July, according to reports.

Seasoned Diplomat with Deep Roots

Fahmy is regarded as one of Egypt’s top notable diplomatic figures in recent decades, combining extensive practical experience with academic expertise in international relations.

Fahmy, 75, is the son of former Egyptian Foreign Minister Ismail Fahmy, a background that helped shape his early understanding of diplomacy and its complexities.

Foreign Minister

Fahmy served as Egypt’s foreign minister during a critical transitional period following the June 30, 2013 revolution, remaining in office until June 2014.

During this time, he worked to reassert Egypt’s regional role and rebalance its foreign policy priorities on the global stage.

Key Diplomatic Posts

Over his career, Fahmy held several senior positions within Egypt’s foreign ministry.

He served as Egypt’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2008, a period marked by major global shifts following the September 11 attacks, gaining firsthand experience in managing relations with Washington during sensitive times.

Shift to Academia

After concluding his diplomatic service, Fahmy moved into academia.

He became the founding dean of the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo, serving from 2009 to 2013.

There, he helped develop an educational model that integrates theoretical study with practical policy application.

A Balanced Diplomatic Approach

Fahmy is known for a traditional diplomatic style grounded in political realism and balance, with an emphasis on institutional work and avoiding escalation. This places him within the classical school of diplomacy.

Ongoing Intellectual, Political Engagement

Since leaving government office, Fahmy has remained active in public life through writing, analysis, and participation in international conferences, offering insights on global transformations and Middle East affairs.