Egyptian PM Mehleb’s New Government Sworn In

Egypt’s Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb was sworn in on Tuesday at the head of a new government that retained key economic and security ministers but created a new investment post to attract funds to an economy racked by years of political turmoil.

Mehleb, followed by his ministers, took the oath of office in front of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who re-appointed the premier after winning a landslide election victory in May.

“I swear by God to sincerely protect the republican system, to respect the constitution and law and take full care of the people’s interests, protect the independence of the nation and the unity and safety of its lands,” Mehleb said at the early morning ceremony at the presidential palace in Cairo.

Mehleb’s cabinet includes veteran banker Ashraf Salman as investment minister. His appointment, and the creation of a separate investment ministry, reverses a decision earlier this year to merge the ministry with that of industry and trade.

Other new faces in the government include former ambassador to Washington Sameh Shukri, who was appointed foreign minister, and Naglaa El Ahwany, a university professor who was named minister for international cooperation.