For the first time in the history of Egyptian diplomacy, women make up half of the new diplomat class, according to Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr.
"The women will have the upper hand in diplomatic work," Amr said in his speech Sunday at the graduation ceremony of new diplomats at the ministry’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies. The speech was published on the ministry’s website.
Women account for more than half of the 41 graduates, three of which wear the hijab.
Amr added that these graduates now bear the message of the Foreign Ministry and its diplomats. "Through their work at one of the institutions of national security, the diplomat stands as the first line of defense for Egyptian interests."
He called on young diplomats to constantly read and seek knowledge and learning.
The graduation ceremony was attended by former United Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali and Mostafa al-Fiqqi, former assistant to the foreign minister.
