Fahmy addresses foreign, domestic policy in AUC speech

Aaron T. Rose
2 Min Read
Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy (AFP PPhoto)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy (AFP PPhoto)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy
(AFP PPhoto)

Egypt must develop its foreign policy to reclaim its place as a leader in the region after the revolutions of 25 January and 30 June, said Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy Sunday in a speech at The American University in Cairo.

Fahmy, lecturing at his alma mater,  spoke of Egypt’s “historic role” as a foreign policy leader in the Middle East, while reiterating the need to address a plethora of current issues in the region, including support for the Palestinian cause, helping to broker peace in Syria, non-proliferation, and ensuring security in the Gulf and Lebanon.

Egypt must balance a “strategic relationship” with the United States and the European Union, and “cooperation” with the Russian Federation “in order to maintain regional peace and security,” he said. Encouraging trade and tourism is essential to boosting the Egyptian economy.

On domestic issues, Fahmy said members of the Muslim Brotherhood are still Egyptian citizens, and guaranteed they will remain so, adding that any form of violence will not be tolerated.

Egypt will stand strong against anyone who tries to threaten its sovereignty or the revolution, he said.

A career diplomat, Fahmy served as Egypt’s ambassador to Japan from 1997 to 1999, and then as ambassador to the US from 1999 to 2008. Fahmy was born in the US and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from AUC.

He served as the dean of AUC’s School of Global Affairs and Public Policy until being appointed foreign minister after the fall of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.

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Aaron T. Rose is an American journalist in Cairo. Follow him on Twitter: @Aaron_T_Rose
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