Monitor
Arab foreign ministers meet in Baghdad ahead of summit, with Iraq urging unified efforts
BAGHDAD — The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers for the upcoming Arab League Summit began Thursday in Baghdad, with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein declaring, “Our meeting today comes at a sensitive stage in the history of the Arab nation, which requires the unification of our efforts.”
In his address, Hussein reiterated Iraq’s stance on the Palestinian issue, describing it as “our central issue” and affirming support for “the Palestinian people in liberating their land and establishing their state with Jerusalem as its capital.” He called for immediate access to humanitarian aid and the resumption of relief operations in Palestinian territories.
Hussein also proposed the creation of a high-level, open-membership ministerial committee — comprising Iraq, Bahrain, the Arab League Secretariat, and other willing Arab states — to “bridge differences and end disputes,” emphasizing that “dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation” are essential in navigating the region’s accelerating political and security challenges.
Excerpts from Fuad Hussein’s speech:
Our meeting today comes at a sensitive stage in the history of the Arab nation, which requires the unification of our efforts.
The Palestinian cause remains our central issue, and Iraq reiterates its previous positions and support for the Palestinian people in liberating their land and establishing their state with Jerusalem as its capital.
There is a necessity to allow the entry of aid to the Palestinian people and to resume the work of relief organizations.
Iraq commends the outcomes of the previous Arab Summit meeting regarding Palestine and extends its support for the plan presented by Egypt.
Iraq welcomes the convening of the international conference in Cairo for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Iraq supports efforts to achieve stability in Syria.
Iraq calls for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed on Syria.
Iraq calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop Zionist attacks on Syria.
Iraq affirms its support for Lebanon.
Iraq condemns the repeated Zionist attacks on Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Iraq declares its solidarity with Sudan and support for its sovereignty.
Iraq supports the Libyan government in protecting its territory, expelling foreign forces, and preventing interference in its internal affairs.
Iraq calls for an end to the state of instability in Yemen and supports Oman’s efforts in mediating to reach a peace agreement in Yemen and facilitating maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
Iraq reiterates its support for the Somali government in its efforts to combat terrorism and achieve peace in the country.
The rapid political and security developments in the region call upon us to work together through dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation.
Iraq proposes the formation of a high-level ministerial committee with open membership from Iraq, Bahrain, the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and all interested Arab states to bridge differences and end disputes.
Iraq emphasizes the importance of prioritizing dialogue to preserve the security of the Arab region.
