The aim of the upcoming Arab-African Summit in Riyadh is to introduce a promising partnership through which we hope to develop practical solutions for developing Arab-African cooperation and to catch up with the emerging and influential international powers in the African arena. The summit seeks to identify fields for cooperation, build a common vision for sharing knowledge and experience, and identify projects and frameworks for improving bilateral and multilateral ties between Arab and African countries.
In light of the geostrategic shifts unfolding in the international system, Arab countries are collectively and diligently seeking to diversify their strategic partners. This effort has created opportunities for establishing promising strategic partnerships in several fields with many actors in the international community. Given the importance of African countries to Arab countries, by virtue of their geographic proximity and our humanitarian, cultural, and religious ties, it is now in the interests of both sides to find ways to settle regional disputes that concern some members because of their political and economic implications for them. In this pursuit, both sides are keen on ensuring development and establishing security and stability, as shown by their positive contributions to stabilizing and improving the global system.
Objectives of the Arab-African Summit:
Reinvigorating Arab-African Relations: One aim of the Arab countries is to reinvigorate their ties with Africa, and this is particularly pressing given that the last Arab-African Summit was held in 2016. Through this summit, we are demonstrating the Arab world’s determination to foster cooperation in achieving our shared global priorities. Key among these priorities are:
● Security: Addressing issues related to conflict and counter-terrorism.
● Stability: Tackling challenges such as poverty, education, health, food security, developmental matters, debt crises, and global challenges like climate change, migration, and humanitarian aid.
Equal Partnership: We want to reaffirm the principle of equal partnership and capitalize on trade, economic, and investment opportunities. Doing so would help the African continent in achieving its vital employment and economic objectives. Simultaneously, that would allow Arab nations to make use of the promising opportunities in Africa and provide the funding needed to implement collaborative projects in an array of fields.
The summit is consequential because of Africa's significance for Arab countries, with which it shares historical, cultural, and societal ties, as well as mutual challenges. Arab-African cooperation began by identifying shared links with African countries and developing frameworks for collaboration. Indeed, Africa offers diverse and unique economic and investment opportunities. While major powers see promising investment opportunities in the continent, Arab countries’ proximity to Africa and our shared challenges give us an edge over other states and blocs.
Arab cooperation with Africa is part of a clear policy to enhance our engagement with partners, work together on our shared interests, and make use of regional and international developments by becoming more open to non-Arab blocs and nations. We seek to engage positively with African countries because of political, economic, cultural, and social considerations, as well as our conviction that this will contribute to developing a strategic vision that creates a roadmap for strengthening relationships with African nations on every level.
As a rule in international relations, shared aspirations, resources, opportunities, and challenges create robust foundations of a strategic, fruitful, and enduring partnership. Thus, both Arab and African nations are keen on broadening their partnerships in investment, trade, energy, advanced technologies, manufacturing, health, sports, and culture. We are also determined to face our shared challenges together, and these include ensuring political stability and security, as well as counter-terrorism efforts.
All these pursuits will lay the groundwork for a promising, effective, and sustainable Arab-African alliance. In this context, there is a prominent need for more proactive Arab diplomacy, which is crucial for developing solutions and resolving the conflicts and disputes plaguing some countries on the continent. Diplomatic efforts could broaden security, political, and economic stability, thereby ensuring the persistence of a productive partnership that benefits both the people of the Arab world and Africa.
Strengthening the relationship between the Arab world and the African continent would lead to a myriad of positive outcomes. For the Arab nations, enhancing economic and political collaboration with Africa, in a robust manner distinct and a different mindset to that of traditional global powers, offers substantial benefits. This partnership will be mutually advantageous, especially since several Arab countries have made commendable efforts to navigate political disputes and find solutions for intricate crises. Beyond merely tapping into natural resources and precious minerals on the continent, some Arab nations have spearheaded substantial construction, industry, and service-providing initiatives across the entire continent.
The Arab African relationship is anchored in genuine mutual interest. Arab countries are striving to fortify their alliance with African nations, and many Arab states also seek to help African states realize their sustainable development goals. Moreover, the opportunities to develop this notion of equal partnership, as well as mutual benefit, are bound to give rise to new dynamics within the African nations.
The upcoming Arab-African Summit in Saudi Arabia underscores the Kingdom’s pivotal role in promoting the spirit of collective efforts to build a brighter future for both the region and the globe. With its growing presence on the international stage, its substantial political standing, and its formidable economic influence, Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in finding solutions and pioneering initiatives. It is now laying the foundations for a new phase of relations anchored in genuine partnership and underpinned by shared strategic interests.
The Kingdom recognizes that fortifying security and stability in any region can only be achieved through collaboration and continuous dialogue between states, as well as a commitment to development. Saudi Arabia has championed efforts to help numerous countries overcome their challenges and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth. The Kingdom is also expanding its mutual economic investments and projects. These initiatives are essential for reinforcing the deep ties shared by Arabs and Africans.
