CAIRO, May 11 (Aswat Masriya) - Egyptian heart surgeon turned award-winning television show host Bassem Youssef will be hosting the 43rd International Emmy Awards in New York, the event organisers said on Monday.

"I am extremely honored to be chosen following the footsteps of incredibly funny and distinguished comedians like John Oliver and Matt Lucas who hosted the ceremony in the last two years," Youssef said, in a press release by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which organises the annual awards gala. 

Youssef gained popularity shortly after the January 2011 uprising which toppled former President Hosni Mubarak, starting off with Youtube episodes and later hosting a widely popular live audience show.

Bruce L. Paisner, President and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences described Youssef as "a comedic force and important political commentator around the world," adding that while the satirist has "been dubbed the Jon Stewart of the Arab world but in fact his talent has no borders." 

The stairist has been critical of consequent regimes that have taken charge in Egypt and his show has faced several hurdles, before eventually being suspended since June 2014.

Despite this, Youssef and his off-air show Albernameg reaped the silver medal at the 2015 New York Festivals, World's Best TVs and Films, last month. 

As the first person from the Middle East to host the Emmy's, Youssef said this places "more responsibility" on him to serve the position in the best way he can, adding "and I hope that this will shed more light on the vibrant entertainment industry in my region."