The 34th Arab Summit commenced Saturday in Baghdad under the theme "Baghdad of Peace Embraces Arab Causes," with Iraq assuming the Arab League’s rotating presidency from Bahrain.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid opened the summit, emphasizing the urgent need for stability amid "complex circumstances and serious challenges" threatening the region.

In his address, President Rashid praised the resilience of the Palestinian people, rejecting displacement plans and calling for immediate action to bolster Arab, regional, and international stability. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani unveiled 18 ambitious initiatives to promote joint Arab action, urging tangible outcomes to meet the expectations of Arab peoples.

Prime Minister al-Sudani condemned the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, describing it as a "genocide unprecedented in history," and denounced repeated Israeli attacks on South Lebanon. He reaffirmed Iraq’s support for Lebanon’s regional role and pledged efforts to stabilize Syria.

Abdullah al-Zaidi, spokesperson for the Iraqi presidency, confirmed that the summit’s significance lies in addressing mounting regional pressures, particularly the war in Palestine and Syria’s complex situation. He highlighted additional agenda items, including the impact of the US dollar and oil price fluctuations, while stressing the need for solutions to reshape the region’s political landscape.

Despite expectations for broader representation, al-Zaidi expressed satisfaction with the turnout, acknowledging the challenging circumstances. The summit aims to deliver logical, stability-focused outcomes, with Iraq optimistic about achieving breakthroughs on critical issues.

In a parallel development, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Arab League leaders and its Secretary General to the first Russian-Arab Summit on October 15, 2025, aiming to foster constructive dialogue and strengthen ties with Arab states. (ILKHA)