Nabil Fahmy named Arab League chief by consensus, succeeding Aboul Gheit

Former Egyptian foreign minister Nabil Fahmy has been selected as the new secretary-general of the Arab League, succeeding current chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit, senior diplomatic sources told Al Arabiya on Sunday.

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The sources said Fahmy’s appointment was approved by consensus among member states during the 165th session of Arab foreign ministers. He is set to officially assume the role on July 1.

Fahmy is regarded as one of the Arab world’s most prominent diplomats, with a career spanning decades in international affairs. Born in 1951, he is the son of the late Egyptian foreign minister Ismail Fahmy.

He served as Egypt’s foreign minister during a critical period following the June 30, 2013 uprising, holding the post until June 2014. During that time, he led Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to clarify its political trajectory internationally and restore its regional role.

Fahmy also served as Egypt’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2008, as well as ambassador to Japan, and represented Egypt in several UN disarmament committees.

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