Summit to open new chapter in Arab relationships

A NEW chapter in Arab relationships is to be opened as joint sustainable development strategies and plans are set to be approved today at the 33rd Arab Summit being hosted for the first time by Bahrain.

Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who is also King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence board of trustees chairman, said to achieve futuristic goals Arabs need to unite on all fronts to address existing challenges and overcome them.

He was speaking to the Press at the summit media centre at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa in Manama.

“Bahrain is hosting the Arab Summit at an unprecedented time when there are massive challenges, obstacles and crises on regional and international levels,” said Dr Shaikh Abdulla.

“However, there are huge efforts to realistically and effectively deal with the current circumstances,” he said. “There are two parallel paths we are currently working on.

“Taking Arab relationships to higher levels in all fields to meet international development, and achieve sustainable development through joint strategies, plans, schemes and projects.”

Dr Shaikh Abdulla, who is also Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) board of trustees chairman, said Gaza will be the focal point at the summit.

“We have to end the military aggression in Gaza, supply aid and provide necessary support,” he said.

“The stability and development of a Palestinian state is a priority.

“Bahrain is updating all the decisions taken at the 32nd Arab Summit last year and there are new decisions aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue and getting Palestine the recognition it deserves.”

He added that Yemen and Libya were plagued with internal conflicts that need attention.

“Sudan is also faced with an internal conflict, and there is a rise in militias and groups in the region that are threatening security and stability and need to be stopped.”

Dr Shaikh Abdulla said the Manama Declaration would be the turning point for the future Arab World.

“Things need to take a positive turn as the world is progressing and developing,” he said.

“This comes with us being together and united on a roadmap for the future.”

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1312556/Summit-to-open-new-chapter-in-Arab-relationships