Ahmed Maher, Egypt’s former foreign minister known for low-key diplomacy, dies at 75

Former Egyptian foreign minister dies at 75

CAIRO — Ahmed Maher, Egypt’s former foreign minister known for his low-key diplomacy, has died. He was 75.

Egypt’s state-owned MENA news agency says Maher died Monday morning, just hours after he was hospitalized with unspecified health problems.

Maher served as foreign minister from 2001 until 2004. He was recalled from retirement for that post in 2001 to replace Amr Moussa, who became head of the Arab League.

Maher was ambassador to Washington until he retired in 1999. Before that, he served in Africa and in Europe, including a nine-year tenure in Moscow.

He spent his final years writing and lecturing in foreign policy. Maher is survived by his wife.

A state funeral is to take place after Monday’s midday prayers.