JEDDAH: Arab foreign ministers assembled in Jeddah on Wednesday for a crucial meeting to address a range of pressing issues in preparation for the upcoming Arab League summit, which is being hosted by Saudi Arabia on Friday.
During the meeting, Saudi Arabia officially assumed the rotating presidency of the summit from Algeria, setting the stage for fruitful discussions and concerted efforts to address the region’s challenges.
Watch: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrives at the foreign ministers’ preparatory meeting for the Arab League summit.https://t.co/OXUke6KR8O pic.twitter.com/Y8DZMpSEon
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Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf emphasized the importance of unity among Arab nations in the face of the “special regional” circumstances currently unfolding. He called for collective action to overcome obstacles and navigate the transformative global landscape that is shifting the balance of power.
The Arab League summit comes at a critical juncture, with several significant political developments capturing attention. The ongoing crisis in Sudan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Syria’s readmission to the Arab League are expected to dominate the agenda during Wednesday’s discussions. Draft resolutions to be deliberated upon during the summit will also be addressed.
Ministerial committees, including those focused on addressing Iranian and Turkish interferences in Arab internal affairs, convened before the foreign ministers’ session. These committees aimed to pave the way for productive deliberations during the meeting.
The ministerial gathering follows a series of preparatory sessions held throughout the week, setting the stage for the upcoming summit.
Syria’s Participation in Arab League Summit
This year’s summit marks a significant departure from previous years as it welcomes the attendance of Syria, whose membership was suspended in 2011 following a crackdown on protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Syria is being represented by a high-level delegation headed by Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, who confirmed President al-Assad’s participation in Friday’s summit.
The gathering of Arab foreign ministers in Jeddah signifies the unity and collaborative spirit required to address the region’s challenges collectively. As the summit approaches, the international community awaits the outcomes of these discussions and the subsequent actions that will shape the Arab League’s stance on critical issues.
