LOC21:46
18:46 GMT
CAIRO, June 19 (KUNA) -- Egypt's Foreign Minister-designate Mohammad
Al-Orabi underlined Sunday that the foreign policy of the Arab World's most
populous and powerful state would focus on butressing Arab and African ties.
In press statements following his meeting with the caretaker Prime Minister
Essam Sharaf, Orabi vowed to follow the steps of his predecessor Nabil
Al-Araby, who was picked as the new Arab League chief last month.
Orabi noted that he would also pay due attention to the cultural and
developmental dimensions in the Egypt's foreigy policy and will do his best to
meet the aspirations of Egyptian people in the aftermath of January 25
revolution.
Egyptian expartraites and Nile water files are also be high on the Foreign
Ministry's agenda in the coming period, Orabi added.
The new top diplomat described the United States and European Union as
essential partners to Egypt, he adding, noting that he believed more in
Egypt's soft power, thus he will seek to enhance the cultural and
developmental dismensions in the foreign policy.
Orabi, who has just turned 60, has served in several crucial posts during
his career, including in the Egyptian embassy in Israel and as chief of the
cabinet of the former foreign minister Amr Moussa in 2000.
He was also the ambassador in Berlin for six years during which a major
breakthrough in relations was secured, especially on the cultural front.
His last post before retiring for only a few weeks was assistant foreign
minister for economic affairs.
He also served as the coordinator of the Arab Economic Summit which was
last held at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. (pickup previous)
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