CAIRO: Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Orabi attended the Raid Nile meeting in Cairo on Wednesday. The Saudi Ambassador, Ahmed Abdul Aziz, held the meeting. Orabi expressed his anger about criticism against himself and accusations that he belongs to the former regime. "Diplomatic Egyptians do not work for individuals or systems but are loyal only to Egypt and its people," Orabi said. He added that these accusations and criticisms are meaningless and do not deserve a response. "I am honor to be Egypt's Foreign Minister. I will hold my post until I accomplish my mission," said Orabi, adding that he hold the position during the most difficult time in modern Egyptian history. Orabi mentioned his time as ambassador to Israel “I was proud to be the Egyptian ambassador in Israel,” he said. “I did my best and I defended the Palestinians' rights.” Orabi said Arab Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia have not discussed the cases against Egypt's former president, Hosni Mubarak. Orabi also said the Arab grants to Egypt have come without any requests from the UAE or Saudi Arabian. They have allocated grants to encourage small projects in Egypt. Regarding Egypt-Iran relations, Orabi said there is no objection from Gulf countries about the relationship between Egypt and Iran. He said Egypt aims to build a stable relationship with Iran, Orabi met officials from the Libyan Transitional Council so they could understand Egypt's attitude toward the council. Ahmed Abdul Aziz, Saudi's ambassador to Egypt, said Orabi will continue as Egypt's foreign minister he is efficient for this post. The meeting was also attended by former Arab League head Amr Moussa; expected presidential candidate Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh; former Deputy Prime Minister Yehia al-Gamal; former Minister of Housing Hasballah el-Kfrawe; Mohammed Bassiouny; Mohamed Anwar Sadat and his brother, Talaat Sadat; Cairo Governor Abdel Kawi Khalifa; and a number of the Arab ambassadors in Cairo.
