34th Arab Summit to address regional crises, boost stability kicks off
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The 34th Arab Summit kicked off in Baghdad, with discussions focused on the war on Palestine, the situation in Syria, and economic pressures.
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Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) welcomes Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as he arrives in Baghdad ahead of the 34th Arab League summit on May 17, 2025 (POOL/AFP)
The 34th regular session of the Arab Summit kicked off Saturday in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, under the slogan "Baghdad of Peace Embraces Arab Causes."
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid inaugurated the summit’s proceedings after Iraq assumed the rotating presidency of the Arab League from Bahrain.
In his speech, Rashid praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, reaffirming his rejection of displacement plans and stressing “the need to take the initiative and act urgently to enhance the prospects for Arab, regional, and international stability.”
He added that the Baghdad summit “is convening under highly complex circumstances and serious challenges that threaten our region, the security of our countries, and the future of our peoples.”
Baghdad announced 18 initiatives to promote joint Arab action
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani delivered his country’s address at the opening of the Arab Summit, unveiling “18 ambitious initiatives aimed at encouraging joint Arab action,” and stressed that “the Arab peoples are expecting practical and tangible steps.”
In his remarks, al-Sudani spoke about the genocidal war that the Israeli occupation continues to wage on the Gaza Strip, stating that it “has reached levels unprecedented in history.”
He also condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on South Lebanon and affirmed Iraq’s commitment to supporting Beirut in regaining its regional role.
Regarding Syria, al-Sudani stated that Iraq “will devote its efforts to supporting Syria in achieving stability.”
Importance of summit lies in mounting regional pressures: Iraqi presidency to Al Mayadeen
The convening of the Arab Summit in Baghdad is of great significance, particularly given the critical timing under which the summit is being held, emphasized Abdullah al-Zaidi, spokesperson for the Iraqi presidency.
In statements to Al Mayadeen, al-Zaidi noted that the importance of the summit lies in the mounting regional pressures, expressing hope that it would serve as an opportunity to achieve long-awaited breakthroughs on various regional issues.
He stressed the need for the summit to produce solutions grounded in logic and geared toward securing stability across the region.
Key issues on summit's agenda
Among the most pressing issues on the agenda, he highlighted the ongoing war on Palestine and the complicated situation in Syria, describing both as urgent matters requiring immediate attention.
Al-Zaidi further underscored the broader challenge of restructuring the region’s political landscape, calling it a key test for the Baghdad summit and voicing optimism that it would rise to the occasion.
According to al-Zaidi, numerous pressing concerns are being addressed during the summit, including the impact of the US dollar and fluctuations in oil prices.
Iraq evaluates summit representation
While acknowledging that expectations had been for a higher level of representation, al-Zaidi noted that Iraq is nonetheless satisfied with the participation, despite earlier promises suggesting a broader turnout.
He reaffirmed that the aspiration is always for more but expressed contentment with the outcome under the current circumstances.
Putin invites Arab leaders to 1st Russian-Arab Summit in October
In parallel, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially invited the heads of state and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS) to participate in the first Russian-Arab Summit, scheduled to take place on October 15.
In a telegram addressed to the Arab League, Putin stated, "We intend to develop constructive dialogue with the LAS in the future, as well as friendly relations with its members."
"In this regard, I would like to invite all state leaders of your union, as well as the League's Secretary General, to take part in the 1st Russian-Arab Summit, which we are planning to hold on October 15," he said.
