Algeria Expects Record Attendance of Arab Leaders in Upcoming Summit

Algiers completes logistical and security preparations to host the Arab summit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Algiers completes logistical and security preparations to host the Arab summit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Algeria Expects Record Attendance of Arab Leaders in Upcoming Summit

Algiers completes logistical and security preparations to host the Arab summit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Algiers completes logistical and security preparations to host the Arab summit. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Seventeen Arab leaders are expected to participate in the upcoming 31st Arab Summit, which will be held in Algiers on Nov. 1-2, according to Algerian media.

All About Algeria e-newspaper underlined the attendance of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and his son Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, in light of the unprecedented diplomatic tension between the two countries.

Algeria severed ties with Morocco in August 2021, accusing Rabat of supporting two organizations it described as “terrorist” and of “hostile acts,” a move which Morocco said was “completely unjustified.”

All eyes are expected to focus on the King’s agenda during his stay in Algiers, who will be at his reception at the airport and whether he will meet with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The newspaper said Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are among the distinguished guests.

In addition to the Arab leaders, other attendees include Senegal’s President Macky Sall and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, in his capacity as the Head of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha will also attend the upcoming event.

The Algerian media affirmed that prominent figures will take part in the summit for the first time in many years.

In this regard, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit confirmed in an interview with Algerian state radio that the Arab summit “will see a remarkable presence of a large number of Arab leaders.”

He pointed out that a “consultation group” will be formed among the Arab leaders, to discuss various issues that benefit “unification.”

In remarks about the Summit’s agenda and the prioritized subjects, Aboul Gheit said, without elaborating, that talks will focus on rescuing the Arab countries that are facing foreign interventions, settling regional disputes and resolving several outstanding matters.

He stressed that the preparations are going according to the plan, pointing to the great efforts to make the summit a success.



Four Killed in Israeli Strike on Central Beirut Near Key Govt Buildings, Embassies

 Rescue workers search for victims at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP)
Rescue workers search for victims at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP)
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Four Killed in Israeli Strike on Central Beirut Near Key Govt Buildings, Embassies

 Rescue workers search for victims at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP)
Rescue workers search for victims at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP)

At least four people were killed and 18 others were injured in an Israeli strike on central Beirut, the Lebanese caretaker health ministry said on Monday.

The strike late on Monday hit a densely populated residential area in Lebanon's capital close to the UN headquarters, Parliament, the prime minister’s office and several embassies.  

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said two missiles hit the area of Zoqaq al-Blat neighborhood of Beirut. The strike comes following reports that the US envoy has delayed his visit for ceasefire talks.  

Ambulance sirens echoed through the area and a reporter with The Associated Press at the scene described significant casualties on the street.  

The target of the airstrike remains unclear, and the Israeli army did not issue a prior warning.  

Many areas in central Beirut, including Zoqaq al-Blat, became a refuge for many displaced by the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The strike also occurred near a Hussainiya, a Shiite mosque.

It was the second consecutive day of Israeli strikes on central Beirut after more than a month-long pause.  

On Sunday, a strike in the area of Ras al-Nabaa killed Hezbollah media spokesperson Mohammed Afif, along with six other people, including a woman.  

Later that day, four people were killed in a separate strike in the commercial district of Mar Elias. Reports said it targeted leader of Hezbollah’s southern operations Mahmoud Madi.  

Israeli media did not have immediate comment.