Address by His Excellency the Secretary-General at the opening session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the Ministerial Level – 166th Ordinary Session

1- We meet today at a critical juncture, as the world and the Middle East witness repeated violations of international law, declining confidence in multilateral institutions, and an expansion of conflicts and arms races.

2- The defining feature of our surroundings and our Middle East has become the prevalence of the law of force over the force of law, which calls for vigilance, Arab solidarity and the highest degree of responsibility.

3- What unites us as Arabs strategically far outweighs what we may differ over tactically.

The risks threatening some of us extend to us all, while the opportunities available can, through cooperation, be transformed into gains for everyone.

4- What is required is a renewed Arab project centred on confronting challenges, development and advancement, accompanied by practices characterised by initiative and effectiveness, and by giving precedence to action over words.

5- The League of Arab States is the home of all Arabs without exception: it protects Arab interests, strengthens capabilities and consolidates stability.

6- Palestine will remain our foremost regional cause and the measure of our sincerity before our peoples and the world.

7- The Arab world seeks peace and stability and will continue to defend Palestinian rights and uphold a just settlement that ends the occupation, enables the Palestinian people to establish their independent State, and safeguards the sovereignty of the Arab States.

8- The security of the Arab Gulf States is part of Arab national security, and any infringement upon it concerns the League of Arab States and its Member States.

9- We will not accept our maritime passages being turned into a bargaining chip in the calculations of others.

The rights of States and freedom of navigation are governed by international law.

10- Our position towards Arab crises is united: political solutions, an end to fighting, the expedited delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the preservation of the unity of States.

11- The League of Arab States stands with Sudan in confronting the repercussions of war and humanitarian suffering; with Lebanon in safeguarding its sovereignty; and with Syria in supporting recovery efforts.

It upholds the unity of Somalia and supports Libya and Yemen in confronting the current challenges.

12- Our economic integration and ensuring sustainable development are an essential part of our ability to protect our security and shape our future.

13- Meetings and decisions acquire their value when they are translated into tangible results felt by Arab citizens.

14- The challenges before us are considerable, but our strengths are greater: youth, resources, a strategic location, and extensive political and diplomatic experience.

Unofficial translation