34th Arab League summit begins in Baghdad today
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Roshan Amiri
- . May 18, 2025
- . Update: May 18, 2025 12:13 am
The 34th Arab League Summit formally took place in Baghdad on Saturday, as the Israeli conflict in Gaza entered the spotlight. This is Iraq’s fourth hosting of the summit and the first time since 2012.
The summit began with a speech by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, on behalf of Bahrain, which held the presidency of the previous summit. He reiterated Bahrain’s commitment for reconstruction in Gaza and work towards a ceasefire.
Highlights from the Summit:
- The Gaza crisis is a topic for discussion with strong requests for a ceasefire and support for the Palestinian people.
- Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid condemned Israeli actions and any plans for the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.
- Rashid stressed Arab unity and regional security and called for collective action of states.
Notable leaders in attendance:
- Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez participated as distinguished guests at the 34th Arab League Summit. The Arab foreign ministers affirmed a framework of five principle topics and five initiatives where Palestine was emphasized as the priority issue.
