Prime Minister: The time has come to launch a unified Arab initiative
Baghdad-INA
The Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, confirmed on Thursday, that the upcoming Arab Summit, to be held in Baghdad on May 17th, is a starting point for an effective and comprehensive Arab cooperation system.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, in a press article, stated:"Baghdad hosts the Arab Summit at an exceptional moment in the history of our region—a moment marked by profound transformations, ongoing conflicts, and complex regional challenges. Yet, as Baghdad welcomes Arab leaders, it does not view this merely as a ceremonial gathering, but rather as a pivotal milestone and a historic opportunity to revitalize the vision of joint Arab action, reclaim leadership, and reaffirm the Arab world's position not as an arena of contest, but as an active and influential force on the global stage."
He added, 'Our government has navigated through a complex phase marked by significant regional challenges, including the multifaceted pressures imposed by the Gaza war on Arab countries, whether politically, publicly, or diplomatically. We moved from fragility to cohesion through ambitious developmental policies, fueled by widespread sympathy and security considerations.'
The Prime Minister highlighted that 'the Arab Summit in Baghdad comes within a transformative context, where the Iraqi national will aligns with the broader Arab hope to overcome differences and embark on building an effective and comprehensive Arab cooperation system,' noting that 'today, we need a responsible Arab discourse, grounded in political realism, and which understands that solidarity does not mean uniformity, but rather respecting particularities within the unity of purpose and destiny.'
He continued, 'Iraq believes that enhancing Arab action begins with strengthening relationships between Arab capitals, from the Gulf to the Atlantic, based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, activating frank and constructive dialogue, and unifying positions on international issues.'
The Prime Minister further emphasized, 'The Arab world's strategic geographical location, its vast resources, its ambitious youth, and its rich cultural heritage collectively provide it with tremendous potential to transform into an independent and balanced power on the international stage.'
He continued, 'The challenges we face, from repeated Zionist aggression on Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria, to internal divisions within some Arab countries, to regional and international interventions, threaten not only the security of these peoples but also our collective will as a nation.'
He stressed, 'The time has come to launch a unified Arab initiative that transcends the humanitarian dimension to support the building of a national state based on the constitution, dignity, and diversity.'
He added, 'At a time when active international engagement on behalf of the region's peoples is lacking, it becomes even more crucial for us to have a comprehensive Arab developmental strategy. Hence, Iraq calls for the adoption of an integrated economic approach to address developmental disparities and enhances the collective ability to confront crises in food, energy, and supply chains.'
He reaffirmed that 'the Development Road project, which is nearing completion, is a practical model for this direction and could serve as a cornerstone for genuine Arab partnerships.'
He noted that 'Iraq does not see itself as a solitary player but believes that its true role lies in bringing together its Arab brothers, restoring trust in Arab cooperation institutions, and laying the foundation for a new era of political and economic partnership.'
He pointed out that 'Arab national security is indivisible and cannot be achieved without genuine cooperation, balanced policies, and strong institutions that protect the supreme interests of the nation.'
The Prime Minister clarified, 'Today, we are not only rebuilding Iraq, but we are also participating in redefining the Middle East through a balanced foreign policy, conscious leadership, developmental initiatives, and strategic partnerships.'
He extended a call from Baghdad to all Arab capitals: 'It is time for us to begin anew, on a new foundation, with a new methodology, and with a new will.'
He concluded by saying, 'Baghdad, the capital of Arab thought and shared history, opens its arms to the Arab Summit, confident that what unites us is greater than what divides us, and that we have a precious opportunity to shape a more cohesive and dignified future for our peoples.'
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