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Aboul Gheit Anticipates Significant Outcome for Upcoming Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (AP)
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (AP)
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Aboul Gheit Anticipates Significant Outcome for Upcoming Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (AP)
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit (AP)

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit anticipated that the upcoming Arab Summit, to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 19, will make a significant impact on the overall Arab situation.

In a televised interview on Wednesday, Aboul Gheit announced that Arab foreign ministers are scheduled to convene a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Arab Summit on May 17 in Jeddah.

Preceding this, permanent representatives will hold meetings on May 16.

Aboul Gheit voiced his optimism that the summit will see the highest turnout of Arab leaders and foreign ministers and said he is hopeful that it will leave a distinct mark and bring about positive change in the Arab situation.

The secretary-general clarified that Arab summits typically follow a traditional agenda that covers a wide range of topics, including political, economic, social, security, and cultural issues.

Aboul Gheit discussed the crisis in Syria and the potential for the country to rejoin the Arab League.

He revealed that he had received a phone call from Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi about a recent ministerial meeting in Amman.

Aboul Gheit stated that it is within the rights of Arab countries to convene and discuss matters of concern, but said he believes that it will take a considerable amount of time and incremental steps to reinstate Syria’s position within the Arab League.

The Arab League chief provided further clarification that “there is a specific legal context in the Arab League Charter for the mechanism of Syria’s reinstatement into the Arab League.”

He affirmed that “it is within the right of a state or a group of states to request a discussion about the issue of Syria’s readmission to its position in the Arab League, particularly since Syria was not expelled from the League, but rather had its membership suspended.”

Aboul Gheit added that he does not know whether Syria will return to the Arab League or not.

He affirmed that he has not received any correspondence informing him of a special meeting to discuss Syria’s return to the League.

He noted that if there is agreement on Syria’s return, a call will be made at any moment for a special meeting of Arab foreign ministers.

Aboul Gheit commented on the situation in Lebanon, stating that there could be a new president in the country soon. He called on all parties in Lebanon to prioritize the national interest over personal interests and take responsibility for their country.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.