The newly-appointed Minister of Interior Major General Mohamed Ibrahim said on Sunday that his main goal is the safety and security of citizens.

Security is essential to improve Egypt's economic status, the minister added.

Ibrahim took the oath of office in front of President Mohamed Mursi today alongside 10 other ministers.

Security bodies "will not tolerate outlaws", Ibrahim told the Middle East News Agency (MENA), adding that they will "strike with an iron fist whoever compromises the security of the country and the people."

Fighting crime and thuggery is the ministry's priority during the coming phase, he added.

Ibrahim said he discussed mechanisms with the prime minister to restore stability to Egypt through continuous crackdowns and better cooperation between citizens and policemen.