Algiers – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed the importance of enhancing the unity of Arab ranks to prevent foreign interference.He noted that the Arab summit in Algeria comes at an important timing as it coincides with several international crises. He also highlighted the accumulated challenges at both regional and international levels.
Addressing the 31th Arab Summit on Wednesday, President Sisi called for enhancing Arab capabilities, underlining Egypt’s interest in an effective partnership with Arab countries for more prosperous future.
He expressed confidence that joint the Arab action mechanisms will witness a boost under Algeria’s presidency of the current Arab summit. “Therefore, I reiterate that Egypt will spare no effort to support our Arab League, the home of Arabs, to serve the interests of our Arab peoples,” President Sisi said, adding that Egypt will remain supportive for the Arab national security.
He stressed the importance of proceeding with a legally-binding agreement on the Ethiopian dam issue, voicing hope that the Sharm el-Sheikh climate summit will come up with real and tangible climate solutions.
He highlighted the importance of reaching a political settlement to the Libyan crisis and getting mercenaries and foreign fighters out of the country.
President Sisi said the convocation of Arab leaders after years of absence reflects insistence on promoting ties and confronting joint challenges.
The president underlined the integration of the Arab national security as what happens in any Arab country affects the interest of the others.
Our Arab national security is indivisible. As far as our eyes can see, we find the dangers that threaten our countries are one, all linked to threatening the nation-state and the interference of foreign regional powers in the region’s affairs by fueling conflicts, leading to direct military aggression against some Arab countries.
These factors have led to prolonged unresolved crises at a time when economic, development and environmental challenges are intensifying, both globally and regionally, and international polarisation is increasing, which has become a pressing factor, both politically and economically, in a manner that affects us all, President Sisi said.
These challenges have raised many legitimate concerns among the Arab peoples, asking about the reasons that impede the achievement of integration among the countries of the Arab region across various fields; the reasons that prevent our nation, that is rich in resources and capabilities, from keeping pace with the advanced nations.
They also wonder about the lack of vision and measures that ought to be taken to stop the spilling of Arab blood, curb the interference of external forces, limit wasting the region’s wealth, and permanently resolve conflicts that will not be resolved by a zero-sum game, in which a party is excluded or rights compromised.
President Sisi added that this has largely affected Arab countries; therefore, it is important to adopt a common and comprehensive approach aimed at strengthening the Arab ability to confront various crises.
He noted that this approach should be based on clear foundations focusing on consolidating the concept of the comprehensive Arab world on the one hand, and the national state and the support of states and their constitutional institutions on the other.
He added that this would contribute to maintaining social peace in addition to enhancing good governance, citizenship and human rights.
The president went on to say that this approach also helps renounce sectarianism and fanaticism, and eliminating terrorist organisations and armed militias, as well as blocking any attempts to support them or give them political cover.
Sisi added that ensuring Arab ranks’ unity is a major step for sound neighborhood relations.
He added that Egypt would remain ambitious for effective partnership among Arab states for more prosperous future.
President Sisi said proceeding with the march of development requires serious work to address Arab crises.
He noted that the Arab peace initiative will remain an embodiment of unity and joint visions towards comprehensive and just solution, based on the two-state solution which calls for establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He underlined the need for more collective Arab action for addressing new crises in Libya, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Sudan, highlighting that this hampers development and integration efforts.
Sisi urged Arab countries to support Egypt’s ongoing efforts in Libya to reach a political settlement as soon as possible without foreign interference.
He tackled the water security issue, which affects a number of Arab states, adding that this falls within the framework of the Arab national security.
He stressed the importance of reaching a binding legal agreement on the Grand Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam (GERD).
He said the water challenge is part of other regional challenges, topped by climate change.
Sisi said he is looking forward to receiving Arab leaders at the Sharm el-Sheikh climate summit on November 6-18 in order to put into effect climate commitments and turn the challenge into a real chance for development.
He called for settling Arab crises and addressing international challenges, stressing that the consolidation of the Arab entity would remain at the heart of Egypt.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed Egypt’s efforts to achieve intra-Palestinian reconciliation.
Addressing the 31st Arab Summit, Abbas called for forming two Arab ministerial committees to act at the international level and support the State of Palestine politically and legally.
Discussion about this post