Amre Moussa

Amre Moussa is one of the most distinguished figures in international diplomacy and Arab co-operation. As former secretary-general of the League of Arab States (2001–11) and foreign minister of Egypt (1991–2001), his leadership earned him recognition across the Arab world and beyond.

His diplomatic career includes serving as Egypt’s ambassador to India (1983–86) and permanent representative to the United Nations (1990–91). Moussa’s memoir, Ketabiyah (My Testimony), chronicles his life and regional engagements, including responses to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and peace efforts in Libya and Sudan.

As foreign minister, he was known for his firm criticism of Western double standards toward the Middle East and Africa and for his efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. He advanced Egypt’s role in African peacekeeping and contributed to transforming the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union. During his tenure as secretary-general of the Arab League, Moussa modernised its structure, introduced majority voting, and strengthened institutional capacity. Under his leadership, the League endorsed the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and launched the Arab Free Trade Zone (2005).

A supporter of Egypt’s 2011 January Revolution, Moussa later chaired the 2014 Constitutional Committee that drafted Egypt’s current constitution. Since 2018, he has served on the African Union’s Panel of the Wise and chairs several global peace organisations.

He has received numerous honours, including the Order of the Nile (Egypt) and distinctions from Jordan, Sudan, Qatar, Sweden, Brazil, and Germany.