Bahrain King welcomes Saudi-Iran ties, truce in Yemen, return of Syria to Arab League
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday took part in the 32nd Arab Summit in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, alongside Arab leaders who welcomed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad back into the fold.
It was the first time Assad had appeared at the Arab League since Syria was suspended in 2011. The summit also featured a surprise appearance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. His visit was his first to the Middle East since Moscow's invasion in February 2022.
In his address, HM King expressed his commitment to advancing joint Arab action, welcoming the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the ongoing humanitarian truce in Yemen, and Syria's return to the Arab League.
HM King also lent support to efforts aimed at resolving armed clashes in Sudan, achieving a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, and upholding Egypt's legitimate rights in the waters of the River Nile.
Furthermore, His Majesty reiterated his desire for the success of collective endeavours towards peace between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the recovery of the global economy and environment from the ravages of war.
King Hamad emphasised that the Arab nations possess the capacity to adapt to the fast-changing times by strengthening Arab unity, revitalising strategic alliances, and implementing a shared vision and more impactful policies to combat terrorism, prevent conflicts, and address the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said these concerted efforts will establish a stable region where humanitarian, religious, and cultural values can flourish.
HM King also expressed hope for the successful outcome of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates later this year. Additionally, King Hamad extended his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their gracious invitation and hospitality.
HM also thanked President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria for his contributions to joint Arab action during Algeria’s presidency of the 31st Arab Summit. Earlier, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, welcoming back Assad to the Arab league, said: “We are pleased today by the attendance of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in this summit.”
Prince Mohammed said he hoped the return would lead to "stability" in Syria. Assad told the gathering that he hopes the return “marks the beginning of a new phase of Arab action for solidarity among us, for peace in our region, development and prosperity instead of war and destruction.”
"I would like to loudly welcome Syria back to its seat among its brothers," Algerian Prime Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane said in the opening speech of the summit. In his speech, Assad thanked Prince Mohammed "for the great role he played and the intense efforts he exerted to promote reconciliation in our region".
Syrian state media reported on Friday that Assad chatted and shook hands with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani before entering the summit hall. Zelensky said his priorities for the visit would be "the presentation of our peace formula whose implementation should involve as many states as possible".
Another priority, he wrote on social media, was "the protection of Ukraine's Muslim community" in the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. AFP quoting an Arab League official later reported that Zelenky's invitation came from Saudi Arabia, not the bloc.
Putin ready to resolve conflicts
Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin confirmed in a letter to the Arab League summit that Russia is “willing to participate in resolving conflicts in the region. “We will continue to offer any help possible to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,” Putin said, adding that Russia intends to expand multifaceted cooperation with Arab countries.
“We are keen on supporting efforts to resolve conflicts in Sudan, Libya and Yemen,” an Al Arabia report quoting Putin said. The president of the United Arab Emirates, was a notable no-show, sending his brother and vice president instead.
HM attends banquet
Following the summit, His Majesty attended a lunch banquet hosted by Saudi Crown Prince and Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in honour of the Arab leaders, marking their participation in the 32nd Arab Summit. After the banquet, HM King Hamad bid farewell to the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as Arab leaders.
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