Arab League Appoints Nabil Fahmy as New Secretary-General

Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired the 165th regular session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level in Amman, Jordan, on Monday. The meeting brought together Arab foreign ministers and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, to discuss key regional issues and matters related to joint Arab cooperation.

At the opening of the session, Al Zayani thanked Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, for hosting the meeting and for the warm welcome extended to the participating delegations. He also expressed appreciation to the Arab foreign ministers for attending the session, describing it as an important opportunity to strengthen consultation and coordination at a time of growing regional challenges.

Bahrain Calls for Stronger Arab Unity

In his address, Al Zayani stressed the importance of reinforcing Arab solidarity and protecting Arab national security to meet the aspirations of people across the region for security, stability, and sustainable development.

He said recent months had seen serious regional developments, including Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan. According to his statement, the attacks struck civilian facilities and residential areas, which he described as violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The Bahraini foreign minister also referred to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it disrupted international shipping, affected the global economy, and left around 20,000 sailors stranded away from their families.

Support for US-Iran Memorandum

Al Zayani stated that Arab countries welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran to end the conflict, describing it as a positive step toward reducing tensions and achieving a broader agreement.

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He emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty of countries in the region, safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with Security Council Resolution No. 2817, and adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing threats affecting the security of Arab states.

The minister also praised the efforts of US President Donald Trump to promote peace and stability in the region through cooperation with regional leaders. He further acknowledged the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar in supporting dialogue and peaceful initiatives.

Nabil Fahmy Appointed Secretary-General

Al Zayani said the ministerial meeting had been convened under the mandate of Arab leaders to approve the appointment of a new Secretary-General for the League of Arab States.

The Ministerial Council officially approved the appointment of Nabil Fahmy as the League’s next Secretary-General. He is scheduled to assume office on the first day of next month. The council also approved the appointment of the heads of the League of Arab States’ missions abroad.

Tribute to Ahmed Aboul Gheit

During the session, Al Zayani paid tribute to outgoing Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, praising his leadership during two consecutive terms. He said Aboul Gheit guided the General Secretariat with wisdom, professionalism, and extensive diplomatic experience during one of the most challenging periods in the Arab world.

He also highlighted Aboul Gheit’s commitment to defending Arab principles and promoting unity among member states.

The Bahraini minister further acknowledged the close cooperation and coordination provided by Aboul Gheit during preparations for the 33rd Arab Summit, also known as the Bahrain Summit, and throughout Bahrain’s one-year presidency of the summit. He described the outgoing Secretary-General as an important partner in achieving the summit’s objectives and strengthening joint Arab action.

Bahrain Reaffirms Commitment to Joint Arab Action

Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing cooperation among Arab states and continuing close coordination with the General Secretariat under the leadership of the new Secretary-General to strengthen the League’s ability to respond to regional challenges.

Bahrain Delegation Attends Meeting

The Bahraini delegation included Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Ambassador of Bahrain to Jordan; Ambassador Fawzia Zainal, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States; Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaleq Saeed, Head of the Coordination and Follow-up Sector; and other members accompanying the Foreign Minister.