Arab foreign ministers meet in Baghdad ahead of 34th Arab League Summit

The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers kicked off Thursday in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, ahead of the 34th session of the Arab League Summit, amid hopes that the summit will contribute to strengthening joint Arab action and addressing escalating regional challenges.

The meeting comes as part of the Arab League’s ongoing preparations to draft resolutions expected to be discussed during the summit, with ministers working to coordinate positions on key issues of concern to the Arab peoples.

In his speech, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed his country’s full support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its rejection of any foreign interference in Syrian affairs. He also reiterated Iraq’s support for efforts to preserve the sovereignty and unity of Libyan territory.

Hussein expressed Iraq’s welcome of Oman’s efforts to reach a comprehensive peace agreement in Yemen and called for the formation of a high-level Arab committee dedicated to bridging differences between Arab states and strengthening solidarity in the face of challenges.

In a related context, the Iraqi foreign minister emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains the central issue for the Arab nation. He reaffirmed Iraq’s firm stance in supporting the Palestinian people in obtaining their legitimate rights, liberating their land, and establishing their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. He also called for the urgent entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and the resumption of international relief organizations’ operations in the Palestinian territories.

For his part, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Iraq for its warm welcome and generous hospitality, stressing that the Baghdad Summit carries great expectations. He said, “The Arab citizen is awaiting much from the Baghdad Summit, which carries great hopes at this critical stage.”