15-05-2025
Al-Awadi: The Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting Approved Five Iraqi Initiatives
Baghdad-INA
Government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi revealed on Thursday the topics included in the ministerial program of the Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting in preparation for the Arab Summit. He also confirmed that the meeting approved five initiatives proposed by Iraq.
Al-Awadi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): that the ministerial agenda presented to Arab leaders includes several key topics, notably two reports: the first on the outcomes and commitments from the 33rd Arab Summit, and the second by the Secretary-General of the Arab League on joint Arab action.
He added that the agenda addressed a range of issues, including the Palestinian cause and the Arab-Zionist conflict, which was discussed under five specific subtopics. Another central theme was Arab affairs and national security, covering 11 detailed regional crises.
Additional topics included climate change, collective Arab security, and the venue for the upcoming 36th Arab Summit, as well as Arab nominations for positions in regional and international organizations.
Al-Awadi revealed that five Iraqi proposals were formally adopted during the foreign ministers' council meeting:
1. The establishment of the Arab Center for Counterterrorism.
2. The establishment of the Arab Center for Drug Control.
3. The establishment of the Arab Center for Combating Organized Crime.
4. The creation of a Joint Arab Security Coordination Room.
5. The launch of an Arab Fund to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in crisis-affected regions.
The preparatory meeting of Arab foreign ministers commenced this morning in Baghdad, chaired by Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and attended by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
In the opening session, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani delivered remarks on behalf of his country as Head of the previous summit. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein then addressed the meeting as the current chairman, followed by a speech from Secretary-General Aboul Gheit.
Al-Awadi noted that following the opening, a closed session was held to deliberate on the draft summit agenda and draft resolutions, which are to be submitted to the Arab leaders for approval.
The agenda includes eight main items addressing various aspects of joint Arab cooperation, with top priorities being the Palestinian cause, Arab national security, and counterterrorism.
He further confirmed that a closed consultative meeting was held ahead of the official session to coordinate positions on key issues, including recent developments in Palestine, crises in several Arab states, and regional and international matters impacting Arab national security.
Ministers also discussed unified Arab stances on contentious issues and agreed on resolution drafts to be submitted to the official ministerial meeting and eventually adopted during the summit, scheduled for Saturday in Baghdad.
Al-Awadi emphasized that this consultative session, a customary step before formal meetings, aims to enhance political coordination among member states and facilitate consensus, thereby contributing to the summit's success and strengthening collective Arab action.
He also noted that the Arab Summit's Implementation and Commitments Follow-Up Committee held a session today, chaired by Bahrain, to review and approve the committee's report—compiled by the permanent representatives—on the implementation of decisions made at the previous summit held in Bahrain.
The Follow-Up Committee includes the Arab Summit Troika—Bahrain (Head), Saudi Arabia, and Iraq—as well as the Ministerial Council Troika—Jordan, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates—alongside the Secretary-General of the Arab League.
