Arab leaders on Wednesday concluded the 31st Arab League summit. The first Arab League gathering in three years took place against the backdrop of rising inflation, food and energy shortages, drought and the soaring cost of living across the region.

The gatherers stressed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the absolute right of the Palestinian people to freedom and the establishment of a sovereign state according to the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They underscored their commitment to the 2002 Arab peace initiative that would lead to fair and comprehensive peace and end the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan Heights and Lebanese Shebaa Farms and Kfar Shouba Hills.

They called an end to the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip, condemning Israel’s use of force against Palestinians and all of its barbaric acts, such as assassinations and arbitrary arrests. They demanded the release of all prisoners, especially minors, women and the elderly.

The gatherers backed Palestinian efforts to obtain full membership at the United Nations, calling on countries that do not recognize the state of Palestine to do so.

They welcomed the reconciliation meeting that was held by rival Palestinian factions in Algeria ahead of the Arab summit.

The summit’s discussions also focused on the food and energy crises aggravated by Russia's war in Ukraine. The conflict has had devastating consequences for Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia, among other Arab countries struggling to import enough wheat and fuel to satisfy their populations.

The leaders acknowledged the dire consequences of the war for their nations and one after another called for a “collective Arab action” to face common challenges. Those include food and energy shortages and the effects of climate change on their societies.

Arab scene

The gatherers rejected all forms of foreign meddling in the internal affairs of Arab countries, saying Arab problems must be resolved through Arab solutions. They suggested strengthening the role of the Arab League to that end and working on strengthening Arab-Arab ties.

On Libya, they expressed support to efforts aimed at resolving its crisis through Libyan means and in a manner that preserves the sovereignty of the country and meets the aspirations of the people. They called for holding elections as soon as possible in order to achieve permanent political stability

On Yemen, the gatherers hailed the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council and backed efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the country’s crisis. They rejected all forms of meddling in its internal affairs and demanded that the nationwide truce be imposed once again, saying it was a fundamental step in achieving a comprehensive political settlement that secures Yemen’s sovereignty, stability and safety.

On Iraq, the leaders welcomed the formation of a new government and its efforts in achieving stability and economic development. They praised Iraq’s successes in defeating terrorist groups, recognizing the sacrifices its people in defending the sovereignty and security of their nation.

On Lebanon, the gatherers hoped it would carry out desired reform and that its parliament would succeed in electing a new president.

They stressed the need to keep the Middle East region free of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction. They called on all parties to join and respect the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The leaders underscored the need to establish sound and balanced relations between the Arab world and international community based on mutual respect, trust and fruitful cooperation.

International scene

The gatherers noted that the rising tensions in the international arena highlight now, more than ever, the imbalances in global governance. They stressed the need to address all countries equality and end the marginalization of developing countries.

Arab countries must be part of the process of forming the new global order in wake of the coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine.

The leaders hailed the balanced approach adopted by OPEC+ to secure the stability of the global energy markets and ensure the sustainability of investments in this vital sector. The economic approach protects the interests of consumer and export countries alike.

They expressed their support for Egypt’s hosting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

They voiced support to Qatar that is preparing to host the football World Cup starting November 20, condemning all spiteful campaigns that are aimed at tarnishing the Gulf country’s image ahead of the landmark global event.

They also backed Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030.