Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein
Monitor
Iraq’s FM Fuad Hussein: Arab summit in Baghdad has ‘unique character’ during regional challenges
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Baghdad is ready to host the upcoming Arab Summit, scheduled to take place on May 17, describing it as a gathering with “a unique character, especially given the current challenges in the region.”
Speaking during a press conference in the capital, Hussein said the summit would bring together representatives from 20 Arab organizations, international delegations including the United Nations, and the Prime Minister of Spain as guest of honor.
He said Iraq had granted 1,000 entry visas to summit participants, including around 500 media representatives—300 from domestic outlets and 200 from international organizations.
Excerpts from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein:
The preparatory committee for the Arab Summit in Baghdad has accomplished major work.
The participation of leaders and officials under these exceptional circumstances confirms their desire to unify the Arab position in a way that serves the Arab nation, its development, welfare, and supports Baghdad and its active role in the region.
Twenty Arab organizations are participating in this summit, in addition to international organizations, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the guest of honor, the Prime Minister of Spain.
Around 300 journalists from Iraqi media outlets and 200 from international media are attending.
A total of 1,000 entry visas have been granted to summit attendees.
The Council of the Arab League at the ministerial level will submit its resolutions to the summit.
On the day of the summit, there will be two sessions: a morning summit-level session and the Fifth Development Summit session.
The two summits will issue the Baghdad declaration, which includes a call for the immediate halt of events in Gaza.
Arab states have presented their perspectives on the agenda items during summit discussions.
We are pleased with President Trump’s visit to the region, the understandings reached by Gulf leaders, and the announcement of the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
Political initiatives are expected to be proposed to establish the Arab Center for Combating Terrorism, Organized Crime, and Drugs, as well as for reconstruction efforts.
The announcement to lift sanctions on the Syrian people is an important step, and what is happening in Riyadh and what will take place in Baghdad represents a complementary phase.
In many summits, I have not seen the attendance of all presidents. Participation in the Baghdad Summit will be active, of high quality, and discussions will be realistic.
There will be decisions regarding the Syrian situation and the general condition of Arab countries.
We are pleased with the decision by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party to lay down arms.
There will be cooperation between Baghdad and Ankara to address the PKK’s decision.
The Arab Summit in Baghdad has a unique character, especially given the current challenges in the region, and each summit has its own criteria.
