Newly appointed British ambassador to Egypt, John Casson, presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Saturday, expressing the importance of a “successful Egypt”.
Casson released a video message, speaking in both English and Arabic, stating that he “will be working hard with the Egyptian people and the Egyptian government for the Egypt that everyone wants to see”. He added that he will work towards “an Egypt that allows British people to succeed as investors and to enjoy as tourists”.
The ambassador, who was appointed in June, said that his newly acquired position has been his “dream job” for several years, referencing a visit to Egypt with British Prime Minister David Cameron and “the aspirations of Egyptians to create jobs, to live with dignity, a safe and stable country, and to have a voice in their future”.
Casson was previously the deputy ambassador in Jordan and was the head of the British Foreign Office’s Near East and North Africa Department. He said that despite visiting Egypt many times, “nobody knows Egypt like the Egyptians”. He called on Egyptians to “tell us about your vision for the future of Egypt and how Britain can be a partner and support Egypt for that future.”
Casson takes up his post in Cairo after spending nearly four years working as Cameron’s Private Secretary on Foreign Affairs.
