Arab League Summit crucial to peace: Bahrain King

HM King made the statement following arrival at the King Abdulaziz International Airport for the summit at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saudi.

His Majesty will today participate in the summit alongside leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab states in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. The summit, HM King said, provides an opportunity for Arab leaders to exchange opinions and consolidate their coordination on ways to enhance joint Arab action, unify Arab countries' efforts, solidify Arab solidarity.

His Majesty further appreciated the endeavours of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to unify Arab ranks, support Arab solidarity, and serve major Arab causes. Saudi Arabia, HM King said, plays a pivotal role in supporting efforts to protect Arab national security, and achieve the aspirations of Arab peoples for security, stability and development.

HM King thanked King Salman for inviting him to the Summit, lauding the robust deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two kingdoms.

Earlier, upon arrival at the Airport, HM King was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makka Region, HRH Prince Bader bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Arab League Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Jeddha Governorate's Secretary-General, Makka Region Police Director, Bahraini Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shaikh Ali bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, and Saudi Royal Protocols Undersecretary.

A Convoy of Honour, led by Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain, HRH Prince Sultan bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, was formed to accompany HM King Hamad during his stay in Saudi Arabia.

The summit is taking place amidst various political developments, including the ongoing Sudan crisis, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Syria’s readmission to the body.

It is also occurring in the same city where representatives of the two Sudanese factions have been engaged in negotiations for a week and a half, facilitated by Saudi and US officials.

This year’s summit also marks the first attendance of Syria since its suspension following a crackdown on protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s rule in 2011. Saudi Arabia severed ties with Assad’s government in 2012.

During a preparatory meeting on Wednesday, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad confirmed that President Bashar al-Assad would personally attend today’s event in Jeddah. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, an envoy of Sudan’s army chief, will represent him at the summit, according to the Arab League’s deputy head, Hossam Zaki.

Earlier this month, the Arab League officially welcomed Syria’s government back, paving the way for al-Assad’s reintegration into the Arab community. King Salman also extended an invitation to al-Assad to attend the summit.

The Arab League’s secretary-general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, stated on Monday that Syria’s return could revive “the principle of Arab solidarity,” as conveyed by his deputy, Hossam Zaki. During the preparatory meeting, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the importance of unity among Arab countries to overcome shared challenges and difficulties.

“Greater effort should be made to strengthen collaborative Arab initiatives in addressing and resolving these challenges, ensuring safety and stability in our region,” Prince Faisal remarked. He also called upon countries to set aside their differences while rejecting external interference in the affairs of sovereign nations.

Yesterday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. They received a warm welcome from several officials, including Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Mecca, and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, upon their arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport.