The League of Arab States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) at the headquarters of the General Secretariat on 15 February. The MoU was signed on behalf of the League by His Excellency Ambassador Dr Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Economic Affairs Sector, and on behalf of the FIA by His Excellency Mr Issa Hamza Al-Failakawi, Vice President of the International Automobile Federation.
The signing of the MoU represents a practical opportunity to broaden the League's network of qualitative partnerships in the fields of transport, tourism and economic development, as well as to benefit from the FIA's expertise across the various areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU, particularly with respect to capacity-building and the organisation of specialised workshops.
For his part, Ambassador Al-Maliki affirmed that the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States accords significant importance to forging partnerships with international and regional organisations and institutions in this vital sector in all its dimensions. He commended the role of the FIA, noting that it is a leading international organisation concerned with transport, tourism, road safety and motor sport for development, and that its membership includes national clubs from several Arab States.
The MoU encompasses numerous areas of cooperation with positive implications for the transport and tourism sectors in Arab countries. A joint committee established by both parties will oversee the implementation of the proposed areas of cooperation, foremost among them: enhancing the role of transport and tourism in advancing regional integration through the facilitation of cross-border movement of individuals and vehicles; promoting road safety and traffic management through the adoption of international best practices and the strengthening of institutional capacities; and advancing the role of sport and motor sport in economic and social development across the Arab region.
