Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Sunday said that he received an official approval from the World Bank (WB) to appoint Egyptian plenipotentiary Ragy el Etriby as its alternate executive director for Egypt and Arab countries.

The appointment falls within the framework of Shoukry's nomination on behalf of the Egyptian government. 

It also comes in light of consultations held with Minister of International Cooperation Sahar Nasr in her capacity as Egypt's governor at the WB.

The appointment comes at a critical time for the Arab region that is witnessing unprecedented economic and development challenges, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said, adding that this stage requires joint efforts by international economic and funding organizations.

El Etriby, for his part, said that seeking Egypt's economic interests would be his top priority during his tenure at the WB, noting that he will work on doubling WB portfolio investment in Egypt in various key fields.

The Egyptian economist added that his tasks would include representing the interests of many Arab countries, underscoring that he will work on securing a key role by WB in supporting development polices in these countries with a view to help it in achieving sustainable development. 

Besides serving as the deputy director of the foreign minister's office, Etriby is the personal representative of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to the G20.

He has served as an economist at the secretariat of the World Trade Organization and the secretariat of the United Nations, as well as several other diplomatic posts.