A meeting of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League at the ministerial level began today, Monday, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Syria participating through a delegation headed by Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Mohammad Samer Al-Khalil, as part of the preparations for the regular 32nd Arab Summit scheduled for next Friday.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by his assistant, Hossam Zaki, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, called for the activation of the "Arab solidarity principle," welcoming Syria's delegation. Aboul Gheit expressed that this atmosphere "should encourage us to renew our commitment and determination to activate the principle of Arab solidarity to achieve the integration that the League was founded upon."
He added that these positive conditions "should not distract us from the reality that has persisted in the Arab region for many years, which is the accumulation and intertwining of serious challenges." He emphasized that these challenges "are highly intertwined and deeply impactful, leading to a new wave of displacement and refugee crises in the Arab region."
Saudi Arabia also expressed its support for Arab joint action. During the meeting, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League, stating, "We look forward to joint efforts that serve the interests of our peoples," stressing that "we are keen to support the process of Arab joint work and implement the decisions that will be issued by the summit, which will positively reflect on our countries and peoples."
Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki commended Syria's return to the League and its delegation's participation in the meeting, stating that "the General Secretariat will coordinate with them and keep them informed about all developments in Arab joint action."
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri confirmed his "full support for efforts in Arab joint action that contribute to developing cooperation in various economic and social fields, and we look forward to achieving a qualitative leap in this regard."
Algerian Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Tayeb Zitouni, welcomed the Syrian delegation at the start of the meeting, saying, "We congratulate Syria on resuming its activity in the Arab League."
Lebanese Minister of Economy Amin Salam welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League, asserting that "our strength as Arabs lies in our economic integration and focusing on developing successful common interests to build economic integration for our nation." He pointed out that "the economic burden that Lebanon bears due to hosting Syrian refugees is no longer hidden," considering that "relieving the burden on Lebanon and the host Arab countries begins with the prompt, dignified, and safe return of refugees to their homeland."
In this context, Palestinian Economy Minister Khaled Al-Asaily welcomed Syria back to the Arab fold, urging "the League's countries to continue providing support to the Palestinian people, who cling to their land and legitimate national rights."
According to data from the Arab League, the Economic and Social Council is exploring ways to enhance Arab joint work to achieve sustainable development and other social and economic issues of concern to Arab countries. The meeting of senior officials of the Economic and Social Council, which prepared for the Arab summit, had commenced yesterday.
