10-05-2025
Economic Cooperation a Key Focus of Upcoming Arab Summit, Says Government Advisor
Baghdad-INA
The Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, said on Saturday that strengthening economic cooperation among Arab countries will be one of the key topics discussed at the upcoming Arab Summit. He stressed that this cooperation is essential to building stronger economic ties, promoting regional stability, and creating new opportunities for development.
'Stable relations among Arab countries encourage the movement of capital and expertise and help to enhance regional trade,' Saleh told the Iraqi News Agency (INA),'The Arab world shares common language and cultural values, which gives it strong potential for economic unity.'
He highlighted the presence of long-standing Arab agreements that could be reactivated to support this goal, such as the Arab Free Trade Agreement signed in 1952 and later amended, as well as several bilateral and multilateral investment treaties.
'There's a real opportunity now to strengthen economic ties in a way that also supports political stability across the region,' he said.
Salih also pointed to Iraq's strategic position in the region, saying the country plays a central role in connecting the Gulf and the Mediterranean, with reach extending toward Africa and the Levant.
'Iraq has deep historical roots, a key geographic location, and access to the Gulf,' he noted.
'It's renewed economic role, especially as it hosts the Arab Summit—signals a return to Arab leadership and shared regional strength.'
He concluded by saying Iraq has always supported peaceful economic cooperation and is well positioned to help lead efforts to build a united Arab economic front in the face of regional challenges.
