Amman, May 17 (Petra) — The final statement of the 34th Arab Summit, held in Baghdad, reaffirmed full support for the Hashemite custodianship of His Majesty King Abdullah II over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.

The statement appreciated the “Hope Restoration” initiative launched by Jordan under royal directives to support amputees in Gaza, calling on countries and organisations to undertake similar efforts to bolster Gaza’s healthcare sector and improve relief efforts.

It underscored the centrality of the Palestinian cause as the “issue of the nation,” affirming that the rights of the Palestinian people are non-negotiable including their right to freedom, self-determination, the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state and the right of return and compensation for refugees.

The summit called for an immediate halt to Israeli aggression on Gaza and all acts of hostility that deepen the suffering of innocent civilians.

It urged the international community to assume moral and legal responsibilities to pressure for an end to the bloodshed, ensure the unimpeded entry of urgent humanitarian aid to all affected areas in Gaza.

Below is the text of the statement:
Republic of Iraq
The Arab League Council at the Summit Level (34th session)
And the 5th Arab Development: Economic and Social Summit
Saturday, 19th of Dhu al-Qi’dah 1446 AH / May 17, 2025
By gracious invitation from His Excellency President of Iraq Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and Prime Minister Engineer Mohammed Shia Sudani, Arab leaders convened in Baghdad for the 34th ordinary summit, reaffirming the shared destiny, brotherly bonds and historic ties uniting all Arab nations.

Believing in the principles of the Arab League Charter, which we all uphold, and based on the unity of destiny and sincere desire for stability and prosperity, the leaders responded to current regional and international challenges.

Recognising the importance of joint Arab action to achieve security and stability, cooperation and integration across all sectors and emphasizing the need for a unified strategic approach to regional challenges.

In light of the close brotherhood and shared destiny among our nations, given the vast economic and human resources of the Arab ummah and committed to principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs, resolving disputes peacefully to promote stability and strengthening cooperation to build a secure and prosperous future that fulfills our goals and aspirations.

Based on a firm commitment to the values of tolerance and mutual respect among nations and peoples and convinced of the importance of dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations as bridges for human rapprochement. We also reaffirm support for international peace and security and the advancement of cooperation for the benefit of humanity, progress and prosperity.

First:
We, the leaders of the Arab states – gathered within the Arab League Council at the summit level:

1. We express our gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain during its presidency of the 33rd Arab Summit, and its pursuit of efforts to unify Arab efforts, support joint Arab work and safeguard the interests of Arab nations.

We also thank the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the emergency Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4, 2025 to discuss the dangerous developments in Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories.

Palestinian Cause:
2. We reaffirm that the Palestinian cause remains the cause of the nation, the core of regional stability. We fully support the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to freedom, self-determination, the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state and the right of return and compensation for refugees and expatriates.

We condemn all illegal measures and practices by the Israeli occupation, as the force controlling Palestinian land, targeting the Palestinian people and depriving them of rights enshrined in divine laws and international conventions.

3. We demand an immediate stop to Israeli aggression in Gaza and all actions increasing the suffering of civilians. We call upon the international community, especially influential countries, to assume their moral and legal responsibilities to pressure for an end to the bloodshed and to facilitate the swift entry of humanitarian aid into all affected areas in Gaza.

4. We call upon all countries to provide political, financial, and legal support to the joint Arab-Islamic plan adopted by the Arab Summit on March 4, 2025, and by the OIC Foreign Ministers on March 7, 2025, in Jeddah, regarding recovery and reconstruction in Gaza within a political process leading to Palestinian independence, securing the inalienable rights of the Palestinians in their land, preventing displacement attempts and enabling them to exercise all their legitimate rights.

We also urge international and regional financial institutions to expedite the provision of support for implementing this plan. We welcome the initiatives proposed by Arab countries to establish a fund for Gaza’s reconstruction, including the call by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani during the emergency Arab summit in Cairo 2023 and the Arab-Islamic summit in Saudi Arabia 2024, to create a joint Arab-Islamic fund for Gaza and Lebanon.

5. We emphasise the importance of joint coordination to open all crossings for humanitarian aid into Palestinian territories, enabling UN agencies, especially UNRWA, to operate in Palestine and supporting their efforts to carry out their responsibilities.

6. We welcome the formation of an open-ended working group to establish a fund in cooperation with the United Nations to support Gaza’s orphans, numbering approximately 40,000 children and to provide assistance and prosthetic limbs for thousands of injured, especially children who lost limbs.

We appreciate the “Hope Restoration” initiative launched by Jordan to support amputees in Gaza, and encourage other countries and organizations to propose initiatives supporting healthcare relief efforts in Gaza.

7. We reaffirm our previous positions rejecting any form of displacement, forced migration, or expulsion of Palestinians from their land under any pretext or justification; such acts are grave violations of international law, crimes against humanity and acts of ethnic cleansing.

We condemn policies of starvation and scorched earth aimed at forcing Palestinians to leave their land.

8. We reaffirm our consistent stance advocating a just and comprehensive peaceful solution to the Palestinian cause, supporting President Mahmoud Abbas’s call for an international peace conference and taking irreversible steps to implement the two-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative and UN resolutions.

This includes establishing a Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, full UN membership and the full restoration of Palestinian rights, notably the right of return and self-determination.

We support efforts to convene a high-level international conference to implement this vision, chaired jointly by Saudi Arabia and France in June 2025 at the UN headquarters. We also call for deploying protection forces and UN peacekeepers in Palestinian territories until the two-state solution is realised, urging the Security Council to take necessary measures to implement this within its responsibilities for international peace and security. We stress the importance of setting a clear timeline for this process.

9. We support President Mahmoud Abbas’s vision of achieving national unity based on adherence to the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and the implementation of international obligations within a unified system, law and legitimate weapons.

We emphasise the importance of allowing the Palestinian government to assume responsibilities in Gaza within the framework of political and territorial unity of the occupied Palestinian land of 1967 and that democratic elections are the only way to respect the will of the people. We call for creating appropriate conditions for elections.

10. We welcome the UN General Assembly’s decision on May 10, 2024, supporting Palestine’s bid for full UN membership, supported by 143 countries. We urge the Security Council to reconsider its resolution of April 18, 2024 and to support the rights of the Palestinian people to life, freedom and dignity and to implement relevant UN resolutions.

We commend Algeria’s efforts, as a current non-permanent member of the Security Council, in defending Arab causes, especially Palestine and in halting Israeli aggression on Gaza, reaching a ceasefire and securing full Palestinian UN membership.

11. We call on the international community to implement Security Council resolutions issued since October 2023 regarding Gaza, including Resolution 2720. We urge all states to fulfill their legal obligations immediately, end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, including the Golan Heights and southern Lebanon and fully implement Security Council resolutions.

12. We emphasise the sanctity and special status of Jerusalem as a holy city for all Abrahamic faiths. We condemn all Israeli attempts to Judaise the city, change its Arab Islamic and Christian identity and undermine its historic and legal status.

We stress the need to protect Bethlehem’s holy sites and preserve their cultural and religious identity. We support Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, held by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and the role he plays in maintaining their Arab, Islamic and Christian character.

We reaffirm that Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, covering 144 dunams, is exclusively a Muslim place of worship. We support the efforts of the Jerusalem Committee and the Jerusalem Fund, chaired by King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

13. We call for intensified international efforts to compel Israel, as the occupying power, to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories based on the 1967 borders, fully implement the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of July 17, 2024 and General Assembly resolution 10/24-A of September 18, 2024, including reparations.

14. We commend South Africa’s principled stance supporting Palestine and its efforts in the lawsuit before the International Court of Justice against Israeli occupation and alleged genocide in Gaza.

15. We welcome ongoing efforts of the Global Coalition for the Two-State Solution launched in New York in September 2024 by Saudi Arabia, in its role as Chair of the Arab Islamic Summit on Gaza, along with Norway, the EU, Egypt and Morocco, in cooperation with the Netherlands.

16. We support diplomatic efforts of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza to achieve an immediate ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid and advance the two-state solution.

17. We appreciate the positions of European countries such as Spain, Norway and Ireland, which recognised Palestine in May 2024, and call on others to follow suit, emphasising that history will record these positions and that principles of justice and law will ultimately determine the rights of the Palestinian people to their land and future.

Situations in the Arab World:

18. We reaffirm respect for the options of the Syrian people of all components and sects, and support Syria’s unity, security and stability. We oppose all interventions in Syrian internal affairs, condemn ongoing Israeli attacks, violations of its sovereignty and attempts to weaken and destroy its national capabilities.

We call on the international community and the Security Council to exert pressure to halt these assaults, respect sovereignty and support a comprehensive political transition that preserves diversity and social peace, respecting the beliefs and sanctities of all Syrian factions.

We emphasise that Syria’s reconstruction is hampered by economic and financial sanctions. We welcome U.S. President Trump’s statement on May 13, 2025, to lift sanctions on Syria, thank Saudi Arabia for its efforts supporting Syria’s stance and support easing European sanctions to accelerate recovery and facilitate the safe, voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. We call for a comprehensive national dialogue including all Syrian groups.

19. We reaffirm our continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity and oppose any aggression against it. We support full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, condemn Israeli violations and demand Israel’s immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal to internationally recognised borders, the release of prisoners and adherence to the 1949 Armistice Agreement.

We stand in solidarity with Lebanon to maintain its security, stability and sovereignty and support efforts to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.

20. We reaffirm unwavering support for the Yemeni government led by President Rachad Muhammad Al Alimi, endorsing efforts toward national reconciliation, unification of the Yemeni front and fostering security, stability, development and prosperity.

We support UN and regional initiatives for a comprehensive political solution based on international references such as the Gulf Initiative, outcomes of the national dialogue and Security Council Resolution 2216.

21. We affirm our solidarity with Sudan and its people in protecting its resources, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We oppose interference, support urgent humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts and the return of displaced persons.

We encourage resumption of the Jeddah process for peaceful solutions and call on Arab foreign ministers and the Arab League to continue efforts for stability and development in Sudan.

22. We reaffirm our full support for Libya’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, urging an immediate inclusive political dialogue and the election of legislative and presidential authorities.

We condemn foreign interference and call for the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries. We support efforts for a political settlement and national reconciliation and commend the efforts of neighbouring countries, the UN and the African Union.

23. We reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and its path toward stability and sustainable development, condemning all terrorist acts including the March 2025 assassination attempt against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

24. We affirm the sovereignty of the UAE over the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, Abu Musa) and call on Iran to respond positively to the UAE’s initiative for a peaceful resolution through direct negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter to build trust and promote regional stability.

Joint Arab Action in Facing Challenges:

25. We emphasise the need to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, in accordance with agreed references and UN General Assembly Resolution 73/546 and call on all parties to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty as the foundation of the non-proliferation regime.

26. We reaffirm that water security is a core element of Arab national security. We support efforts by Iraq, Egypt, Sudan and Syria to guarantee their legitimate water rights and express solidarity in seeking fair, balanced solutions through dialogue and cooperation to prevent harms to their water rights.

27. We stress the importance of sustained joint efforts to enhance Arab collective capacities to meet current development challenges, especially in food, health and energy security and address climate change, emphasising the development of mechanisms to institutionalise Arab cooperation.

Counterterrorism:

28. We reaffirm our firm stance condemning all forms of terrorism and related ideas, including acts by ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which pose a serious threat in the Arab region. We emphasise fighting organised crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering, as terrorism’s persistence endangers social peace and regional stability.

We call for a comprehensive, coordinated response at Arab, regional and international levels, including capacity building for Arab counterterrorism agencies.

29. We welcome Iraq’s efforts against terrorism, commend its sacrifices and support the establishment of the National Counterterrorism Centre. We call for similar centres across Arab countries, enhanced cooperation, experience exchange and joint planning, with support from UN counterterrorism bodies, including the Saudi-backed center in Baghdad.

30. We urge measures to combat hate speech, extremism and incitement, which threaten social cohesion and security. We call on states to promote tolerance, coexistence and brotherhood and to address root causes of terrorism financing, incitement, recruitment, safe havens with the goal of eradicating terrorist elements altogether.

31. We welcome Iraq’s hosting of the International Conference on Terrorism Victims in Baghdad, 2026, and reaffirm our full support for victims’ rights and efforts to help them recover and rebuild.

32. We emphasise the importance of cybersecurity to protect digital infrastructure and data, supporting unified Arab strategies for a secure digital space. We thank Saudi Arabia for establishing the Arab Cybersecurity Council in Riyadh and welcome the UN Security Council’s adoption of the Algerian proposal on regulating emerging financial technologies used for terrorist purposes.

Regional and International Developments:

33. We express our sincere condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis Jorge Mario on April 21, 2025. We recall his humanitarian efforts promoting peace, interfaith dialogue and efforts to halt the Gaza war, which is a disaster for humanity.

We congratulate Cardinal Robert Francis Provencher on his election as the new Pope and wish him success in advancing brotherhood and peace.

34. We affirm that rising tensions globally reflect a retreat of diplomacy and a reliance on force, risking the collapse of just solutions. We stress the urgent need for sustainable regional solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.

We support Iran-U.S. talks for peaceful nuclear cooperation and commend Oman’s mediation efforts in Yemen, aiming to end conflict and facilitate maritime navigation in the Red Sea, consistent with Iraq’s policy of promoting peaceful resolutions.

35. We reaffirm close cooperation with the UN and its agencies, committed to its principles and international law, to uphold peace and security, address global challenges, achieve sustainable development, combat climate change, protect the environment, uphold human rights and secure water, food, renewable energy and peaceful atomic energy.

Second:

We, the Arab leaders, gathered for the 5th Arab Summit on Economic and Social Development in Baghdad on May 17, 2025, reaffirm our commitment to Arab development, solidarity and economic and social integration.

Building on the 2019 Beirut Declaration and ongoing assessments, we recognise the challenges our region faces and aim to foster comprehensive development aligned with regional and global changes. We declare:

1. Appreciation for the Arab League Secretary-General’s report on joint Arab economic, social and developmental work, recognising its realistic diagnosis and comprehensive vision.

2. Commend efforts to follow up on decisions from the Beirut 2019 Summit, urging continuous evaluation of past outcomes.

3. Welcome President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s “Blue Economy” initiative as a strategic approach to food and energy security and sustainable maritime resources.

4. Endorse the Arab initiative on artificial intelligence presented by the Secretary-General. We encourage adopting AI to promote development and knowledge societies.

We support Bahrain’s proposal, led by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to establish an international treaty regulating AI development, ensuring it serves peace. We look forward to establishing an Arab AI center in Baghdad, as proposed.

5. Support Iraq’s “Arab Economic Reform Covenant for the Coming Decade” as a guiding framework, inviting active Arab participation.

6. Thank Iraq for proposing an Arab Ministerial Council for Trade to enhance trade coordination and accelerate economic integration, with the Arab League to coordinate its implementation.

7. Commend Egypt’s successful hepatitis C eradication campaign, “Path of Egypt,” and encourage experience sharing. We also support Dr Khaled El-Enany’s candidature for UNESCO Director-General.

8. Appreciate the UAE’s “Hope and Better Future” initiative for Arabs as a model of development and humanitarian work.

9. Support Arab space leadership via the Bahraini satellite “Al-Mundir,” and encourage greater cooperation in space science and technology.

10. Approve the Arab Food Security Strategy (2025-2035) and call for mobilising resources for its implementation.

11. Support Yemen’s development projects and Sudan’s ongoing efforts, emphasising reconstruction and integration.

12. Endorse programmes supporting internally displaced Palestinians, condemning forced displacement and reaffirming their right to return and live with dignity on their land.

Additional initiatives include:

– Developing the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and completing the customs union, removing obstacles.
– Launching solar energy projects benefiting Palestinian refugee camps, improving living conditions.
– Calling for lifting sanctions on Syria’s energy and electricity sectors to support citizens and development.
– Implementing the Arab Water Security Strategy 2030 through effective policies for sustainable water management.
– Supporting Iraq’s “Arab Pact for Food Security,” ensuring equitable water and food access across generations.
– Promoting investment in small ruminants to boost food security and farmers’ livelihoods.
– Emphasising investment in health human resources and emergency preparedness.
– Supporting vocational education expansion to foster economic growth and youth employment.
– Developing a unified Arab strategy for school and university health.
– Promoting women’s economic empowerment and participation.
– Preparing for the UN Second World Conference on Social Development, reflecting regional priorities.
– Developing policies aligned with digital transformation, including the future of human resources.
– Supporting the revised Arab Workforce Strategy (2023-2030) to promote fair employment and inclusive growth.
– Endorsing the Arab Vision 2005 for future development.
– Promoting sustainable financing mechanisms for development projects.
– Supporting Arab youth and civil society forums to foster partnerships.
– Implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Strategy (2023-2028).

In conclusion, we thank Iraq for hosting the Arab League Summit and the 5th Arab Summit on Economic and Social Development. We commend Iraq’s progress in economic development and its efforts to strengthen Arab economic cooperation, including:

– Launching the Arab Humanitarian and Development Support Initiative to aid crisis-affected countries, with Iraq pledging $40 million: $20 million for Gaza’s relief and reconstruction and $20 million for Lebanon.
– Initiating the Arab Pact for a Political Transition in Syria, supporting comprehensive reforms, safe return of refugees and international support for reconstruction.
– Supporting Iraq’s “Road of Development” project linking Arab and European markets.
– Establishing an Arab Ministerial Committee to mediate disputes among Arab countries.
– Launching the “Arab Economic Reform Covenant,” to build a dynamic, inclusive Arab economy.
– Supporting Iraq’s proposal for an Arab Trade Ministerial Council.
– Recognising Egypt’s successful hepatitis C campaign and backing Dr Khaled El-Enany’s UNESCO candidacy.
– Appreciating the UAE’s initiatives for hope and progress.
– Supporting the Bahraini satellite “Al-Mundir” and Arab space cooperation.
– Approving the Arab Food Security Strategy (2025-2035).
– Supporting development projects in Yemen and Sudan, emphasising reconstruction.
– Supporting programmes for displaced Palestinians, reaffirming their right to return and live with dignity.

This collective effort aims to strengthen Arab unity, development and resilience in facing regional and global challenges.

//Petra// AK
17/05/2025 22:53:19