The Egyptian government mourned the death of former defense minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawy, who passed away Tuesday morning.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli said Tantawy had done a lot for the sake of the homeland, serving as a military leader during wars, then a defense minister during the hardest of years, then a chairman of the military council that ran state affairs during a very critical period.

Tantawy had worked very hard to maintain Egypt’s stability and unity, the premier added.

He will be remembered in history for his role as a military leader and a statesman, Madbouli noted.

Source: State Information Service Egypt