CAIRO: Ambassador Mohamed al-Orabi, Egypt's next Foreign Minister, called Israeli media reports claiming he will follow his predecessor Nabil al-Arabi's policy towards Israel "meaningless analyses." In response to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth's reports concerning his following al-Arabi's policies, al-Orabi told Youm7 he had not yet begun his duties in Ministry, and therefore they cannot be evaluated. He called for calculations before making judgments. Al-Orabi served as Egypt's deputy ambassador in Tel Aviv from 1994 to 1998 and supported the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. Commenting on his former post, al-Orabi said he served his country as was very interested in his job during this period. Speaking of his priorities, he said in the coming times, Egypt would achieve many of its desires, and would protect national security. Al-Orabi refused the idea that Egypt would be a tool in the occupation of Palestinian. As for Egyptian-Iranian Relations, al-Orabi said Egypt is keen on establishing balanced relations with all powers to serve the country's interests. Al-Orabi revealed the pillars of his foreign policy will include continuing soft diplomacy as Egypt has historical and cultural prestige around the world. Al-Orabi stressed the importance of economic revival and encouraging tourism to boost the economy. He added that he will endeavor to develop relations with African States, especially Nile Basin countries.
