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Iraqi FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We’re Trying to Bring Syria Back to AL by Consensus

A general view shows the Foreign Ministers of Arab countries during a meeting of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit at Phoenicia hotel in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
A general view shows the Foreign Ministers of Arab countries during a meeting of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit at Phoenicia hotel in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
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Iraqi FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We’re Trying to Bring Syria Back to AL by Consensus

A general view shows the Foreign Ministers of Arab countries during a meeting of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit at Phoenicia hotel in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA
A general view shows the Foreign Ministers of Arab countries during a meeting of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit at Phoenicia hotel in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali al-Hakim said there are "bilateral, tripartite and quadripartite" contacts and discussions to cancel the decision to suspend Syria's membership in the Arab League (AL).

He stressed in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that being one of the founding states for the AL, “it must be returned to its seat."

Hakim expressed regret for the absence of Syria and Libya from the Arab development summit in Beirut.

He explained that the suspension of Damascus from the AL was an Arab decision, and “we are now working to return it by an Arab decision too."

Regarding the nature of the parties calling for Syria’s return, Hakim said some Arab countries are putting effort to achieve that, and Iraq supports this decision along with Algeria, Sudan and other countries.

He explained that in order for Arab decisions to reach the level of permanent representatives or ministers, the country or group of countries must submit a formal request to the AL.

“It is commonly known that all Arab resolutions are usually passed by consensus, and if one or two countries submit their opposition, it could still be passed,” said Hakim. “However, if more than five countries submit their opposition, this will cause a problem and abort the application of the resolution.”

Therefore, timing should be chosen carefully as it is always important to gain the largest number of supporting countries in order to pass the resolution.

“We need support from opposing and reserving countries in this case," he added.

In response to a question on whether Iraq could support Syria's return to the AL, Hakim said, “Of course Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Algeria and a group of countries can submit the request.”

Yet, he explained that they don’t want to be surprised from a counter-response and want to know who are the countries that could reserve this resolution, adding that discussions are now taking place in this regard.

On Libya’s absence from Beirut’s summit, Hakim said it is bilateral matter more than an Arab one. “I guess this won’t ultimately affect the summit’s resolutions.”

He expressed confidence in the summit, saying it is important and addresses many economic problems.

“I think that Beirut declaration, which will be issued on behalf of Arab leaders at the end of their meeting, will include many significant and applicable points,” the FM noted.

He pointed out that many Arab economies today are one-sided and not connected, thus the union of these powers will be a major issue.

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FAO Official: Gulf States Shielded Themselves from Major Shocks

David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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FAO Official: Gulf States Shielded Themselves from Major Shocks

David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics Division at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), told Asharq al-Awsat that global hunger increased sharply during the coronavirus pandemic, noting that the GCC countries were able to shield themselves from major shocks affecting food security.
Laborde added that global hunger affected over 152 million people, with no improvement in the past two years.
Today, 733 million people suffer from chronic hunger, and 2.3 billion face food insecurity, according to the UN annual report on “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World.”

Laborde explained that the global economic crisis has worsened food insecurity, keeping hunger levels high.
Alongside this, climate shocks and conflicts are major causes of hunger. He also pointed out that food insecurity is closely tied to inequality, and the economic crisis, rising living costs, and high interest rates are deepening existing inequalities both within and between countries.
On whether economic diversification in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is boosting food security, Laborde said: “A move towards a more diversified economy and enhancing the ability to rely on various sources of food supplies are key drivers of food security resilience and stability.”
“GCC countries have managed to shield themselves from major shocks, primarily due to their high income levels and ability to cover import costs without difficulty,” he explained.
Regarding the FAO’s outlook on reducing global hunger, Laborde insisted that ending hunger will require a significant increase in funding.
When asked for suggestions on how governments could enhance food security, Laborde said: “Despite global figures remaining stable, improvements are seen in Asia and Latin America, showing that the right policies and conditions can reduce numbers.”
“Hunger is not inevitable. Investing in social safety nets to protect the poor, along with making structural changes to food systems to be more environmentally friendly, resilient, and equitable, is the right path forward,” emphasized Laborde.
The annual State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, published on Wednesday, said about 733 million people faced hunger in 2023 – one in 11 people globally and one in five in Africa.
Hunger and food insecurity present critical challenges affecting millions globally.
The annual report, released this year during the G20 Global Alliance for Hunger and Poverty Task Force ministerial meeting in Brazil, warns that the world is significantly lagging in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2—ending hunger by 2030.
It highlights that global progress has regressed by 15 years, with malnutrition levels comparable to those seen in 2008-2009.
Despite some progress in areas like stunting and exclusive breastfeeding, a troubling number of people still face food insecurity and malnutrition, with global hunger levels rising.