Omar Abdel Aziz Sharaf was born on October 22, 1925, in Aswan, Egypt. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in international relations and diplomacy. He pursued his passion by enrolling in Cairo University, where he earned his law degree in 1947.
Sharaf began his illustrious diplomatic career in 1951 when he became the Third Secretary of the Legation of the Kingdom of Egypt at Moscow. Over the next four decades, he served in various diplomatic roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing Egypt in key positions around the world.
One of Sharaf's most notable assignments was serving as Egypt's ambassador to China. During his time in Beijing, he played a crucial role in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Sharaf also had the honor of representing Egypt as the ambassador to Sweden. In this role, he worked tirelessly to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Egypt and Sweden.
As Egypt's ambassador to the Arab League, Sharaf was a staunch advocate for Arab unity and cooperation. He played a pivotal role in shaping the region's diplomatic agenda and fostering collaboration among Arab nations.
Throughout his career, Sharaf's exceptional diplomatic skills and dedication to service garnered him numerous accolades. He was a recipient of the prestigious Order of Merit and Order of the Republic in Egypt, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of diplomacy.
Sharaf was a devoted family man and cherished time spent with his wife, Noha Elwi, and their three children. His son, Karim, followed in his footsteps and pursued a career in diplomacy, carrying on the family legacy of public service.
Sharaf's legacy as a career diplomat and statesman is one that continues to inspire future generations of diplomats in Egypt and beyond. His unwavering commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation on the global stage has left an indelible mark on the world of diplomacy.
Throughout his career, Sharaf had the privilege of serving under the leadership of the esteemed Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak. His close collaboration with Mubarak further solidified his reputation as a trusted diplomat and advisor within the Egyptian government.