Iraq’s prime minister, Arab League chief review final preparations for Baghdad summit

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Tuesday with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit to discuss final preparations for the Arab League Summit scheduled to take place in Baghdad on Saturday, emphasizing Iraq’s regional role and the importance of a successful summit.

During the meeting, Al-Sudani stressed Iraq’s commitment to “proposing practical solutions and forward-looking initiatives” amid what he described as serious regional and Middle Eastern challenges. He also called for “strengthening the Arab League’s mechanisms and institutions” to bolster cooperation on economic, environmental, and security issues.

The 34th regular Arab League Summit will be hosted in Baghdad following a decision by the Arab League in response to a request made by Al-Sudani during the 32nd summit in Riyadh in May 2023. The move was formally announced at the conclusion of the 33rd summit in Bahrain in May 2024.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Tuesday, with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The meeting included a review of the final preparations and logistical arrangements for the upcoming Arab Summit, scheduled to take place this Saturday in the capital, Baghdad. Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring the summit’s success in a manner that reflects Iraq’s prominent regional and Arab standing and contributes to realizing the aspirations of the Arab peoples.

The meeting also highlighted the significance of the summit as it convenes at a critical juncture amid serious developments and challenges facing the Arab region and the broader Middle East. Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s active role in proposing practical solutions and forward-looking initiatives to address current issues.

The Prime Minister further underscored the importance of strengthening the Arab League’s mechanisms and institutions across all areas of Arab cooperation, including joint efforts to confront economic, environmental, and development challenges, as well as reinforcing collective Arab security cooperation.