Peregraf
Iraq officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Arab League today during the 34th summit held in the capital, Baghdad, amid mounting regional tensions and pressing humanitarian crises.
"We extend great appreciation to the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain," Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid said, thanking Bahrain for its term of leadership. He emphasized that Iraq’s ability to host the summit "despite regional challenges and developments" was a testament to its commitment to Arab unity.
"The Baghdad summit is being held despite complex circumstances and serious challenges that threaten our region," President Rashid said in his opening remarks.
Turning to the ongoing war in Gaza, Rashid strongly condemned what he described as the genocide of the Palestinian people. "The Palestinian people in Gaza and the other occupied Palestinian territories are being subjected to genocide," he said, calling on the international community to intensify its support for the Palestinian cause.
"We reject all attempts to displace the Palestinians under any circumstance or label," the president added, while reiterating Iraq’s commitment to resolving conflicts through "peaceful means and direct bilateral dialogues or through mediators."
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani also addressed the summit, welcoming delegates and international figures, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We welcome you, in the name of the Iraqi people, as the guests of our summit," Sudani said.
Highlighting Iraq’s diplomatic approach, Sudani stated, "Iraq is practicing a foreign policy based on partnership as a priority, mutual respect, and good neighborliness."
Sudani strongly criticized Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. "This genocide has reached an ugliness greater than all conflicts in history," he said. He also stressed that regional peace depends on justice for Palestinians. "Our vision for the end of crises and conflict in their region is based on the Palestinian people achieving a free life in their land and an end to the ongoing aggression and violence."
The Iraqi prime minister also reaffirmed Baghdad’s support for Syria, whose delegation at the summit is headed by Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad Shaibani. "We renew our fixed support to the unity of the Syrian Arab Republic, its sovereignty over its soil, and reject any attack on Syrian lands," Sudani said. He added, "We will not spare any effort to support our brothers in Syria, to establish a proper state and build a democratic, constitutional system through a thorough transitional process."
The summit brought together leaders and representatives from across the Arab world as the region grapples with escalating violence, humanitarian emergencies, and persistent calls for political reform and cooperation.