Iraq’s interior ministry outlines security plan for Arab Summit in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Interior on Sunday announced security measures for the upcoming Arab Summit, focusing on inter-agency coordination and avoiding public displays of weapons across Baghdad.

Minister of Interior Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, who heads the Supreme Security Committee for the summit, chaired a broad meeting that gathered all agencies responsible for securing the event, scheduled for May 17.

Al-Shammari issued several recommendations, including securing all areas connected to summit activities and maintaining high-level coordination among security units. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding displays of weapons, facilitating vehicle movement, and preventing traffic congestion in the capital.

The 34th regular Arab League summit is set to be hosted in Baghdad, following a decision by the Arab League. The move came in response to a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani during the 32nd Arab League summit in Riyadh in May 2023. The decision to hold the summit in Baghdad was announced as the 33rd summit concluded in Bahrain in May 2024.

One key development ahead of the Arab League summit in Baghdad is the potential participation of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani invited al-Sharaa after their meeting in Qatar, a move that has sparked controversy. Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has ties to al-Qaida and faces an Iraqi arrest warrant for terrorism. His invitation has drawn strong opposition from Iran-backed Shiite factions and militias that had supported Bashar al-Assad during Syria’s civil war.

Full Statement from the Media Office of the Iraqi Minister of Interior:

Baghdad of Peace Awaits the Meeting of Arab Brothers — Minister of Interior and Head of the Supreme Security Committee Reviews Security Plans for Arab Summit

Minister of Interior and Head of the Supreme Security Committee for Securing the Arab Summit, Mr. Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, chaired an expanded meeting today, Sunday, that included all security agencies assigned to this task. The meeting was held to present detailed security plans to ensure the success of this important event, which is scheduled to be hosted by Baghdad on May 17.

The minister issued a set of key recommendations, foremost among them securing the areas that will be part of the summit’s activities. He emphasized the importance of high-level coordination among all security units participating in this mission, avoiding displays of arms, facilitating vehicle movement, and preventing traffic congestion.

He also stressed the completion of all safety requirements related to the Civil Defense Directorate, highlighting the need for full adherence to the implementation of the planned strategies. He called for close monitoring of duties and tasks to provide a secure and appropriate environment for all leaders, heads of state, and accompanying delegations in their second home, Iraq.

The minister listened to a briefing on the executive plans for securing the Arab Summit and reviewed the schedules for conducting security exercises to assess the readiness of the security formations.

Media Office of the Iraqi Minister of Interior
April 27, 2025