Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit gave a speech at the opening of the preparatory meeting of the Economic and Social Council at the the 32nd Ordinary Arab Summit in Jeddah. The Secretary-General's speech was delivered by Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Office of the Secretary-General.
According to Gamal Roshdy, the official spokesman for the Secretary-General, Mr. Aboul Gheit commenced his speech by congratulating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for taking the helm of Arab action this year.
As per the Secretary-General's spokesperson, Mr. Aboul Gheit acknowledged the positive atmosphere in the preparatory meetings with the resumption of participation by Syrian government delegations in the League of Arab States meetings, which is in compliance with the decision of the Arab foreign ministers at their recent meeting. The Secretary-General welcomed the presence of the Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade of the Syrian Republic and expressed his optimism that this atmosphere would inspire a renewal of the covenant and a determination to activate the principle of Arab solidarity.
Mr. Aboul Gheit highlighted the grave challenges facing the Arab structure and its fundamental pillars, as a new wave of displacement and asylum emerged in the region. In his speech, he emphasised the need for strengthening Arab economic and social action to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable groups in Arab societies and those facing accumulated hardships.
The economic and social file submitted to the Arab leadership includes various crucial topics, such as the Arab strategy for tourism, the Arab strategy for communications and information, known as the Arab Digital Agenda, the Arab agreement for persons with disabilities, and other significant issues.
