Secretary General of the Arab League (AL) Ahmed Abul Gheit has underlined the need to strengthen Arab-African ties and cooperation.
The secretary general’s remarks came at the opening ceremony of the 36th African Union Summit, which kicked off in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday in the presence of several heads of state and government of member states.
He stressed that the current challenges require exchanging viewpoints on the best ways to deal with economic and geopolitical conditions.
The summit is held amidst international turmoil resulting from the Russia-Ukraine crisis that has led to aggravating food and energy crises in several Arab and African countries, Abul Gheit said, highlighting the current growing rates of inflation and recession.
He cited the long history of fruitful Arab-African cooperation, calling for enhancing such ties to serve Arab and African countries.
The 36th ordinary Session of the AU Assembly will deliberate on various continental issues focusing under the theme, “Accelerating AfCFTA Implementation” over the coming two days.
The secretary general stressed that the acceleration of implementing the AfCFTA matches the Arab League’s priorities and goals to achieve Arab economic integration.
Abul Gheit stressed the need to review the Arab-African joint action plan to be finally approved.
He urged to complete the necessary steps on establishing the Arab-African fund to limit disasters, in addition to supporting efforts on programs of Arab-African cooperation.
The secretary general called for backing Somalia and the Comoros and their security and stability.
He also called on all Libyan parties to reach a peaceful political settlement and overcome any obstacles that may hinder the country’s stability, security and unity.
Abul Gheit affirmed that the Palestinians suffer from the Israeli occupation, whose practices are based on racial discrimination, illegal settlement activities, forced displacement and oppression.
He lauded the African Union’s support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to end the occupation and establish their independent state.
He also praised the leading role played by the president of the African Union Commission on supporting the Palestinian people.
Abul Gheit voiced hope that the 5th Arab-African Summit, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in November, will lead to making a quantum leap on strengthening the joint strategic partnership to serve the mutual interests of Arab and African peoples.
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