Egypt’s Housing Minister Mustafa Madbuly has said that President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had appointed him to serve as interim premier while Prime Minister Sherif Ismail receives medical treatment abroad. Ismail traveled to Germany on Thursday for surgery. He is expected to remain there for three weeks. Rumors have swirled in the past month about the nature of Ismail’s illness and whether he would be able to resume his duties. Cabinet spokesman Ashraf Sultan told the local media that Ismail will undergo surgery in his digestive tract, saying he would return to his daily activities once he completes his treatment. Ismail is deeply appreciated and has been doing a great effort in his tasks as prime minister, MENA news agency quoted the housing minister and acting premier as saying on Thursday. "Ismail called me before travelling and assigned me with following up some important topics on his behalf," Madbouli said, reassuring that all cabinet meetings will be held regularly as scheduled.