Arab League satisfied with progress in summit preparations

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday emphasised the importance of coordinating and unifying stances of Arab states to address challenges facing the Arab region.

During a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, His Majesty expressed Jordan's keenness to support any effort that aims at developing and institutionalising joint Arab action and serving Arab causes, according to a Royal Court statement.

King Abdullah and Aboul Gheit also discussed issues on the agenda of the Arab summit.

For his part, the secretary general underlined the significance of the event, which starts on Thursday at the Dead Sea, in light of the challenges faced by Arab countries. He voiced the Arab League's appreciation for Jordan's efforts to promote pan-Arab action and achieve security and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Hani Mulki also met with Aboul Gheit on Sunday, and assured him that the Kingdom had almost finished its preparations to host the pan-Arab meeting.

Mulki expressed Jordan's keenness to hold a summit that provides an opportunity to boost the joint Arab action, especially under the current regional circumstances, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In this regard, he highlighted the envisioned role of the gathering in finding solutions to Arab issues and challenges among Arabs themselves.

The premier also renewed the Kingdom's support for the Arab League, noting that Jerusalem, the Palestinian cause, terrorism and joint Arab action will be the top issues to be discussed at the summit. 

Aboul Gheit commended the progress made in the Kingdom's preparations for the high-profile meeting, voicing his confidence that the number of participants will be "outstanding", due to the good reputation of Jordan and King Abdullah.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Aboul Gheit, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the two sides reviewed all processes and measures taken by Jordan to ensure the success of the summit.

He said the Arab summit, which will be held between March 23 and 29, is hoped to be a platform for “frank, deep and intensified” dialogue on the region’s conflicts and on enhancing pan-Arab collaboration that serves the general good of the peoples.

Regarding preparations, the minister pointed to “high cooperation” with the Arab League, an issue that will be reflected when the summit takes place.

From his side, Aboul Gheit said the aim of his visit is to present a comprehensive report to King Abdullah, Prime Minister Mulki and Foreign Minister Safadi on previous Arab League resolutions, including the league’s decision to ban Syria’s participation, and the summit’s schedule.

He commended Jordan’s commitment and cooperation with the league’s delegation to ensure the success of the session, adding that Jordan’s reputation and the King’s respect in the region will lead to a wide participation of Arab leaders in the Arab summit. 

The summit is a “good” chance for Arab leaders to conduct bilateral and trilateral talks to reach settlements over some disputed issues, he noted.

Government Spokesperson and Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani said in previous remarks that the fight against terrorism, security challenges facing several Arab countries and the Palestinian cause will be among the main issues discussed at the Arab summit.