Baghdad, 17 May 2025
The 34th Arab League Summit concluded day long summit today, Saturday in Baghdad—its first in Iraq since 2012 and 4th amid mounting tensions over Gaza and Israel’s war since October 2023.
As per Daily Asharq Al-Awsat claiming obtaining draft copy of the Baghdad Declaration, which comprises three sections: outcomes of the Arab Summit, results of the Development Summit, and 15 initiatives introduced by Iraq.
The declaration prioritizes the Palestinian issue, reaffirming its centrality and demanding an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza. It calls on the international community to take moral and legal action to stop the violence and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid.
The declaration supports the Arab-Islamic recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza, proposes a fund for Gaza’s rebuilding, and endorses the creation of a UN-coordinated working group to support around 40,000 orphans.
It rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians and urges progress on a two-state solution.
It backs an international peace conference and the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces.
On Syria, the declaration stresses national unity, condemns Israeli violations, and supports a comprehensive dialogue.
Iraq has offered to host a Syrian national dialogue conference.
Leaders from 22 Arab nations gathered today in Baghdad to address urgent regional crises, including conflicts in Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Libya, and Iran–U.S. nuclear talks. Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani, along with his delegation including Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman AlThani; Arab Leaders; and high-level representatives from across the Arab world.
In addition, among international guests participated included were Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez; United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres; Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha; Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit; Secretary-General of the Gulf Co-operation Council, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi; Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region, Luigi Di Maio; and Russian Presidential envoy to the Middle East and North Africa – Mikhail Bogdanov.
In his speech on the occasion, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to addressing regional crises through dialogue, cooperation, and responsible diplomacy. He welcomed Arab leaders and international guests, emphasizing Iraq’s foreign policy of neutrality, good neighborliness, and non-interference. Al Sudani condemned the ongoing aggression in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and support for Palestinians’ rights. He urged unified Arab action to resolve conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Libya, and welcomed lifted U.S. sanctions on Syria. Highlighting Iraq’s support for peace and Arab integration, he announced 18 initiatives, including a proposed Arab Fund for recovery efforts. Iraq pledged $20 million each for the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon. Al Sudani stressed the need for a united Arab stance against terrorism, climate change, and social fragmentation, framing the summit as a pivotal step toward regional stability and a better future.
OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha thanked Iraq for its warm hospitality and highlighted the strong historical ties between the OIC and Arab states. He stressed that the Palestinian cause remains central to the OIC’s priorities, supported by recent joint summits. Taha called for concrete actions to achieve Palestinian statehood and urged deeper OIC-Arab League cooperation to meet shared goals for peace, security, and regional stability.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi described the gathering as a vital turning point for the Arab world, urging stronger unity to address regional challenges.
He emphasized the Palestinian issue as being in its ‘most dangerous phase’ condemning the widespread destruction in Gaza and the ‘brutal practices’ aimed at displacing its people. El-Sisi cited starvation and deprivation as tools of internal displacement affecting over two million Palestinians. He highlighted Egypt’s joint efforts with Qatar and the U.S. to broker a ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid.
El-Sisi also referenced Egypt’s hosting of an extraordinary Arab summit in March, which led efforts to block forced displacement plans. Concluding his remarks, he called on U.S. President Donald Trump to intensify mediation efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and support peace in the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a congratulatory letter to the 34th Arab League Summit.
On the sidelines of the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad, Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and explored opportunities for cooperation across various fields. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and key topics on the summit's agenda.
Present on the occasion were Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Chief of the Amiri Diwan.
According to Iraq News Agency (INA), The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed his gratitude to Iraq on Saturday for its active role in supporting joint Arab action.
In a tweet on the X platform, followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Emir of Qatar said, "We met today in Baghdad at the 34th Arab Summit, which was held amid regional and international circumstances that require Arab and international cooperation to resolve its crises."
He added, "We hope that the outcomes and decisions of the summit will be reflected in strengthening our Arab solidarity and consolidating integration between our countries in all areas of existing cooperation." He continued, "We express our gratitude to the sisterly Republic of Iraq for its efforts to consolidate the bonds of brotherhood and its active role in supporting joint Arab action."
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Thank you, Mr. M Ashraf Siddiqui, for your comprehensive and well-written coverage of the 34th Arab League Summit. It highlighted the critical issues facing our region with clarity and balance, especially the united stance on Gaza and the call for Arab cooperation. Much appreciated!