Erdogan: Turkiye has cut off trade and relations with Israel

Erdogan: Turkiye has cut off trade and relations with Israel

    Wednesday, November 13, 2024   No comments

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Wednesday that his country "has severed trade and relations with Israel, and will continue to do so in the coming period," adding that it "stands with Palestine until the end."

This came in press statements made by Erdogan after his return from his visits to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where he participated in the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit, and Azerbaijan, where he attended the summit of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, "COP 29."

Speaking about the war that the Israeli occupation continues to wage on both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, Erdogan stressed the need to declare an urgent ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid, without interruption and on a regular basis, adding that "Ankara is working hard to continue to pressure Israel and take measures based on international law."

The Turkish president added that his country "has taken concrete steps in response to Israel's injustice, including stopping trade dealings with it," while stressing that the "People's Alliance," the ruling coalition that includes the Justice and Development Party and the Nationalist Movement Party, "is firm in severing relations with Israel."

In addition, the Turkish president indicated that 52 countries and two international organizations have expressed their support for the initiative launched by Ankara at the United Nations, in order to prevent the supply of weapons and ammunition to the occupation, noting that "a letter regarding this initiative has been delivered to the President of the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and a decision has been taken at the Riyadh Summit, calling on members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to sign it."

In this context, Erdogan warned that "Israel will become more aggressive as long as weapons and ammunition continue to flow into it," stressing that "its injustice towards the Palestinians was one of the items on his agenda in all the countries with which he discussed it."

Erdogan expressed his regret for "not seeing a stance against the injustice (practiced by the occupation) from the governments of some Western countries," noting that expecting such a stance "from those who do not protest when they see hospitals and ambulances being bombed would be an illusion."

He continued: "They see this as normal, and are trying to cover up this crime under the guise that Israel has the right to defend itself."

It is noteworthy that the Turkish president warned in his speech during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit that Benjamin Netanyahu's government in "Israel" is working to "escalate military tension against Iran," while continuing its attacks on Lebanon.

He urged "isolating Israel internationally, unless it ends its aggression, bans the supply of weapons to it, and ends trade with it," calling on everyone to "join South Africa's lawsuit" against the occupation in the International Court of Justice, and "encourage more countries to recognize the State of Palestine."

Israeli Minister responds to Saudi Arabia's push for two-state solution: There will be no Palestine

Israeli Minister responds to Saudi Arabia's push for two-state solution: There will be no Palestine

    Monday, November 11, 2024   No comments

As if to respond to Saudi-Sponsored Summit of supporters of the two-state solition, Israeli minister Smotrich says: I have issued instructions to prepare for extending sovereignty over the West Bank. 

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he had given instructions to prepare for the extension of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, explaining that he hopes to implement this plan next year.

Aljazeera reported that Reuters quoted Smotrich, who belongs to the far-right Israeli party, as saying that the time had come in the new era of US President Donald Trump to impose Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, and he expressed his hope that Trump would support this move.

The finance minister, an ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, added that 2025 will be the year of sovereignty over the West Bank.

Smotrich has extremist positions on the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, which has prompted European calls for sanctions against him and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in addition to repeated criticism from Washington, Tel Aviv’s ally.

Saudi Arabia seeking political cover from Muslim states before pushing for the implementation of the two state solution

The extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit kicked off today, Monday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with the attendance of heads of state and leaders.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed in his speech that this summit is "an extension of the previous summit, which discussed the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon," stressing his country's rejection of the Israeli aggression on Iranian territory.

Bin Salman condemned "the military operations targeting Lebanese territory," expressing his rejection of the violation of its sovereignty, and renewing his rejection of the genocide committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip.

While the Saudi Crown Prince said that the Kingdom "denounces the aggression and supports the Palestinian people obtaining their full rights," he condemned the occupation's prevention of the UNRWA from providing its services in the occupied Palestinian territories, and its obstruction of the work of humanitarian organizations.

  

Arab rulers’ summit in Bahrain, the Tradition of Irrelevance

Arab rulers’ summit in Bahrain, the Tradition of Irrelevance

    Thursday, May 16, 2024   No comments

Today, Thursday, in the Bahraini capital, Manama, the work of the Arab League Council began at the summit level in its thirty-third regular session, in the presence of a number of Arab leaders and foreign guests. No matter what kind of events are happening around the world, the Arab rulers have always maintained a record of inaction even when action is most needed. The Arab rulers do what they have done in previous 32 meetings, give speeches.

Summary of Arab rulers speeches and statements

Mahmoud Abbas: The new Palestinian government did not receive any financial support

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said that the new Palestinian government did not receive any financial support, as expected, despite the world welcoming it. He added that "Israel" continues to kill the Palestinian people in Gaza with American support.

He pointed out that "our priority is to stop the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip immediately and facilitate the arrival of aid," expressing his praise for the movements of the peoples of the world, "which have proven that they adhere to human rights standards more than their countries and institutions."

Bin Salman calls on the international community to work to stop the aggression against Gaza

At the opening of the Arab Summit in Bahrain, the Saudi Crown Prince called on the international community to carry out its duties in stopping the aggression against the Gaza Strip and delivering aid, reiterating “the firm position regarding the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.”

He added that Saudi Arabia stresses the security of the Red Sea and stopping any activity that affects maritime navigation.

Comoros President: We all have a historic responsibility to stop the Gaza war

Comoros President Gazali Othmani said, “The systematic genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip arouses consciences, violates morals and religions, and challenges humanity,” adding: “We all have a historical responsibility to defend the oppressed, act immediately, and stop this war that children, women, and the elderly are exposed to.” In Palestine," expressing his appreciation for the efforts of Qatar and Egypt to reach a ceasefire.

Othmani called for unifying efforts to achieve a just and quick solution to the Palestinian issue by establishing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

President of Iraq: What the Zionist entity is doing constitutes genocide

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid said that what the "Zionist entity" is doing in the Gaza Strip is genocide by all standards, reiterating "Iraq's standing with the Palestinian people and the establishment of the Palestinian state with Holy Jerusalem as its capital."

In another context, Rashid called on all conflicting parties in Sudan to engage in dialogue in order to resolve the crisis, expressing at the same time his support for any steps for the Yemeni people to achieve stability. He pointed out that "Iraq rejects the violations that affect its territory or the use of it to attack others."

Al-Sisi: “Israel” continues to evade its responsibility

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that Israel continues to evade its responsibility for the ceasefire, and is moving forward with its operation in Rafah, adding that Egypt will maintain its position of refusing to displace the Palestinians, or create conditions that make life in Gaza impossible.

He went on to say: "The critical situation requires joining our hands together to immediately end the war against the Palestinians, and grant them their rights to establish their independent state."

The Jordanian King: We reject the separation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Jordanian King Abdullah II expressed his rejection of the separation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the displacement of Palestinians from their lands, noting that “achieving security and peace in the region requires intensifying efforts to support the Palestinian government to carry out its tasks, (as well as) supporting the Palestinians to establish their independent state on the June 4 borders.” ". King Abdullah stressed the need to support UNRWA and increase its financial allocations to continue carrying out its humanitarian role.

In another matter, the Jordanian King affirmed that “Jordan will continue to defend its sovereignty and repel armed groups, especially those that intend to smuggle drugs across the border.”

Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohammed Al-Menfi:

We renew our condemnation of the brutal Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip and our support for South Africa's efforts at the International Court of Justice to convict the occupation of committing the crime of genocide.

Aboul Gheit: The Arab peoples will not forget the blind Israeli violence

Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said that the Zionist aggression against Gaza is “savage,” and the Arab peoples will not forget this “blind violence.”

He added that occupation and peace do not go together, and the path to peace (settlement) in the region requires a different approach and that the occupation abandon its illusions of retaining the land and controlling people.

He continued, saying: Forced displacement is rejected Arably, internationally, humanely and morally. Israel continues its ethnic cleansing operations in Gaza by force of arms.

The President of the African Commission calls on the world to stop the Gaza war

The President of the African Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, appealed to the world to stop the war on Gaza, praising the efforts of Egypt and Qatar in this regard. He added in another matter that the Sudan war must stop, "and the people of Sudan must sit together to resolve differences."

Guterres: The world is suffering because of what is happening in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "The world is suffering because of what is happening in Gaza and we hope that the conflict will not spread to other places," adding that "nothing justifies collective punishment against the Palestinians... and the attack on Rafah is unacceptable." In another matter, Guterres said, "The war in Sudan is destroying its people and impeding the delivery of aid while millions are suffering from famine."

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki:

We denounce the unprecedented destruction in the Gaza Strip and once again demand an end to the war in the Strip.

We demand the implementation of the two-state solution, stopping the Gaza war, and providing humanitarian aid.

The situation in Sudan and the war must stop immediately and the people of Sudan must be brought into direct dialogue far from any external interference.

- We support Libya in national reconciliation to move their country to safety.

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hussein Amir Taha:

We call for an international conference to address what is happening in the State of Palestine.

- To make the decision to enable the Palestinians to remain on their land, and we exercise all responsibilities to stop the bloody war.

- To mobilize all legal and judicial means to ensure the protection of the Palestinian people and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Bashar al-Assad participates in the Arab summit without giving a speech

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived today, Thursday, in the Bahraini capital, Manama, to participate in the Arab Summit, without giving a speech.

The Syrian government delegation included Foreign Minister Faisal Al-Miqdad, Deputy Foreign Minister Bassam Al-Sabbagh, Assistant Foreign Minister Habib Abbas, the Syrian Ambassador to Bahrain, Muhammad Ali Ibrahim, and the Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Hussam Al-Din Ala.

The Algerian president is absent from the third Arab summit

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is absent from the third Arab summit in a row, to be represented in Bahrain by Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. The Foreign Ministry announced that Attaf will represent Algeria at the summit at the level of Arab presidents and leaders, after his participation in the preliminary ministerial meeting of foreign ministers held last Monday.

Here are the most prominent points of the final statement of the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain

The Bahrain summit statement stressed the necessity of the Israeli army’s withdrawal from Gaza and lifting the siege on the Strip, stressing the need to enable UNRWA to work and provide financial support.

The statement added: “Belief in the importance of joint Arab action in preserving the security and stability of the Arab countries, cooperation and integration in all fields, and emphasizing the importance of dealing with a unified strategic vision with the challenges and requirements of sustainable development for the good and benefit of the Arab peoples, and in awareness of the strategic importance of the Arab nation on the global arena, And its economic potential and human resources, and the necessity of creating conditions to enhance cooperation, build economic partnerships, and achieve comprehensive development based on common interests and mutual benefits, in a way that meets the aspirations of our Arab peoples and achieves growth and prosperity, and out of an interest in adhering to solidarity, solidarity, and synergy to deal collectively with the current circumstances, and in devoting the importance of communication, cooperation, and integration to enhance The collective progress of our countries in all fields towards a safe, stable and prosperous region that meets the interests and aspirations of its people. We, the leaders of the Arab countries collectively:

1- We express our condolences to the State of Kuwait and its brotherly people on the death of the late Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Emir of Kuwait, may God rest his soul, and we congratulate His Highness Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as His Highness assumed the reins of government in the State of Kuwait, wishing His Highness success and the people of Kuwait. Goodness, growth and prosperity.

2- We express our appreciation for the good efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during its presidency of the thirty-second Arab Summit, and the good endeavors it is undertaking to unify efforts, support joint Arab action, enhance regional security, and defend the interests of the Arab countries and their peoples.

3- We stress the importance of the Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee continuing its targeted efforts to stop the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and end the humanitarian catastrophe from which more than two million and three hundred thousand Palestinian citizens are suffering, and to mobilize an international position supportive of the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to live in security, safety and freedom in their independent state. Sovereignty over its national territory. We thank the Committee for its efforts on the regional and international arenas, expressing appreciation for the efforts of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in preparing and arranging to hold the thirty-third summit.

4- We stress the need to stop the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip immediately, withdraw the Israeli occupation forces from all areas of the Strip, lift the siege imposed on it, remove all obstacles, open all crossings to the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid to all parts of it, and empower United Nations organizations, especially the United Nations Agency. Relief and Works for Refugees (UNRWA) from work, and to provide financial support for it to carry out its responsibilities freely and safely, reiterating our categorical rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their land in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We call for urgent measures to be taken to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire, end the aggression in the Gaza Strip, provide protection for civilians, and release hostages and detainees.”

The statement stressed: “In this context, we strongly condemn Israel’s obstruction of ceasefire efforts in the Gaza Strip, and its continued military escalation by expanding its aggression against the Palestinian city of Rafah despite international warnings of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of that. We also condemn the Israeli forces’ control over the Palestinian side.” From the Rafah crossing with the aim of tightening the siege on civilians in the Gaza Strip, which led to the cessation of the crossing’s operation, the flow of humanitarian aid, and the loss of the Palestinian people of Gaza’s main lifeline. In this regard, we call on Israel to withdraw from Rafah, in order to ensure safe humanitarian access.”

The final statement of the Arab-Islamic Summit calls for breaking the siege on Gaza and bringing in humanitarian aid

The final statement of the Arab-Islamic Summit calls for breaking the siege on Gaza and bringing in humanitarian aid

    Sunday, November 12, 2023   No comments

The draft final statement of the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, today, Saturday, stressed the necessity of breaking the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, and imposing the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel.

The statement called for "the participation of international organizations in the process of introducing aid convoys, and that these organizations must enter the Strip, protect their crews, enable them to fully carry out their role, and support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)."

The statement called on "the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to begin an immediate investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity, which Israel is committing against the Palestinian people in all the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem."

The final statement of the Arab-Islamic Summit condemned “the inhumane crimes and massacres committed by the colonial occupation government,” rejecting “characterizing this retaliatory war as self-defense, or justifying it under any pretext.”

Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi said, in his speech during the joint Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, that “all our problems can be solved through unity, and we want to take a historic and decisive decision regarding what is happening in the Palestinian territories.”

The Iranian President also affirmed that “the United States is the one commanding and conspiring in this war, and it is the one that encourages the Zionist entity to commit its crimes in Gaza, and it entered the war on the side of Israel, and opens the way for it to oppress the residents of Gaza, and sends shipments of weapons to it.”

Raisi called for an end to the Israeli bombing of civilians and hospitals in Gaza, a comprehensive lifting of the siege on the Strip, and the opening of the Rafah crossing without restrictions or conditions. He stressed the necessity of Islamic countries arming the Palestinian people to confront the Zionist entity, and the importance of boycotting trade with "Israel."

In turn, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stressed in his speech during the joint Arab-Islamic summit that “the only result of the failed peace is that the Israeli entity has become more aggressive, and the Palestinian situation has become more miserable.”

Al-Assad pointed out that "the ongoing criminality cannot be isolated from the way we, as Arab and Islamic countries, deal with repeated events in a fragmented manner regarding the Palestinian issue," stressing that "more Arab meekness equals more Zionist ferocity and massacres against us."

Regarding the Palestinian resistance, Al-Assad said, “The new reality imposed by the valiant resistance in our region has made us possess the political tools that enable us to change the equations.”

It is noteworthy that an “extraordinary joint Arab Islamic summit” was held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today, Saturday, regarding the “dangerous and unprecedented developments” that Gaza and the Palestinian territories are witnessing.

The summit comes at a time when the Israeli occupation continues its aggression against the Gaza Strip, for the 36th day, targeting hospitals, residential neighborhoods, and all necessities of life, amid a stifling siege that the Strip is suffering from, where there is no water, food, medicine, or fuel.

The aggression resulted in more than 11,078 martyrs, including 4,506 children, 3,027 women, and 678 elderly people, in addition to 27,490 wounded, since last October 7.

Arab League Summit Welcomes Syrian President Back and receives statements from Russia and China

Arab League Summit Welcomes Syrian President Back and receives statements from Russia and China

    Saturday, May 20, 2023   No comments

The work of the 32nd regular session of the Arab Summit took place in the Saudi city of Jeddah, Friday, in the presence of a number of Arab leaders and leaders.

Arab leaders and heads of delegations participating in the summit took a group photo before the start of the opening session.

Likewise, the Syrian "SANA" agency reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad shook hands with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, before entering the summit hall, and that was followed by a side conversation between them.

After 13 years of absence, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad returned today, Friday, to participate in the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In turn, the Algerian Prime Minister, Ayman bin Abdel Rahman, welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League. Abdel Rahman renewed his full solidarity with the Palestinian people, calling on "the international community to stop the systematic attacks against it."

He expressed the détente of Arab relations with Turkey and Iran, calling on the international community to put an end to the Israeli settlement policy.

Abdul Rahman added, "There are indications of the emergence of a new multipolar world order at the expense of the unipolar one."

He pointed out that "the role of the Arab League must be activated and the reform process in the Arab League must be accelerated."

After the speech of the Algerian Prime Minister, Ayman bin Abdel Rahman, Algeria handed Saudi Arabia the presidency of the thirty-second Arab summit.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said, "We are pleased with the presence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Arab summit."

Bin Salman hoped that Syria's return to the Arab League would contribute to achieving stability in it and resolving its crisis.

On Sudan, Ibn Salman hoped that the language of dialogue would prevail between the Sudanese parties.

And he added, "The Palestinian issue was and still is the central issue of the Arabs."

The Jeddah Summit is an opportunity to restore Arab issues

For his part, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, welcomed the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Aboul Gheit pointed out that "the Jeddah Summit is an opportunity to restore Arab issues that were left to others a long time ago."

The Jordanian king welcomes the return of Syria

Jordan's King Abdullah II said, "The Palestinian issue remains the center of our attention, and peace cannot be achieved with the continued construction of settlements."

Jordan's King Abdullah II repeatedly warned against the continuation of the Syrian crisis without reaching a solution, welcoming Syria's return to the university as a first step to resolving the crisis.

Al-Sisi calls for a solution to the Sudanese crisis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said, "Relying on our own capabilities to resolve important issues has become necessary."

Al-Sisi added, "Egypt is continuing its efforts to stabilize the truce in Gaza."

He added, "If the Sudanese crisis is not resolved, it will have a negative impact on the region."

Al-Sisi indicated that "Syria's return to the Arab League is a step to activate the role of the League."

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani welcomed "Arab efforts to crystallize an Arab regional system."

For his part, the representative of the African Union at the Arab Summit said, "The solution in Sudan will not be military."

"The adventure of violence in Sudan threatens the entire region with fragmentation," he added.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Amin Hussein Taha, looked forward to intensifying cooperation between the Organization and the Arab League in many fields.

Saeid: Together, we have the potential to achieve what we want

In a speech during the Arab summit, Tunisian President Kais Said said that the brothers in Palestine are still offering daily martyrs for the sake of liberation from the Zionist occupation in light of the suspicious silence of many capitals.

Saeed refused that the Arab countries would "once again be victims of a new world order," stressing, "We do not participate in its establishment and arrangement."

The Tunisian president refused that his country be "in an alliance against another."

He welcomed Syria's return to the Arab League after thwarting the plot aimed at fragmenting it, pointing out that "we collectively have the capabilities that enable us to achieve what we want, as we are advocates of freedom, peace and peace for the entire nation."

The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, called for international protection for the Palestinian people.

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, welcomed the return of Syria to the League of Arab States, calling for an end to the events in Sudan.

The Crown Prince of Kuwait affirms the preservation of the unity and sovereignty of Syria

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad said that he feels "optimism about the signs of détente in the region, including the understanding between Saudi Arabia and Iran," reiterating his support for the decision of the Arab League Council and the statement issued in the Jeddah and Amman meetings.

The Crown Prince of Kuwait affirmed his country's position calling for preserving the unity and sovereignty of Syria, adding: "We affirm our firm and supportive position for the rights of our Palestinian people, and we call on the international community to work to reach a comprehensive and just solution."

Al-Sudani called for holding the 2025 Arab Summit in Baghdad, the "Dar of Peace"

In a speech during the Arab summit in Jeddah, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani welcomed Syria's return to its normal place, stressing "the importance of joint Arab action to contain differences."

Al-Sudani hoped the success of the efforts to stop the fighting in Sudan and stabilize the situation in Libya, Yemen and Lebanon.

He also welcomed the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, noting that Iraq supported this step and worked on it to serve prosperity in the region.

The Iraqi President announced that Iraq will host the 2023 Baghdad Conference, for economic integration and regional stability, and the Development Road Conference, with the aim of strengthening ties.

Al-Sudani called for the 2025 Arab summit to be held in Baghdad, "the house of peace."

Mikati: The crisis of the displaced is greater than Lebanon's ability to bear

For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati praised Syria's return to the Arab summit, and said, "Let me call this summit the 'Healing Wounds Summit'."

Mikati pointed out, during a speech, that "the prolongation of the crisis in Lebanon and the increasing number of displaced people makes the crisis of the displaced greater than Lebanon's capacity to bear," stressing that the return of the displaced cannot be achieved if "the Arab efforts are not concerted in cooperation with the international community."

Sultanate of Oman: The success of this summit is achieved through the reunification of the Arab nation

The head of the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman, Asaad bin Tariq, confirmed that the success of this summit was achieved through the reunion of the Arab nation, welcoming the resumption of "the activity of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic in this summit."

Benn added that the Sultanate of Oman believes that "the inability of the international community to find a settlement for the suffering of the Palestinian people is the source of tensions in the region and the world."

Russia sends a statement to the Arab League's leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed Russia's interest in developing friendly relations with Arab countries, in order to effectively face emerging threats and challenges.

Putin said, in a telegram of greetings he sent to the participants in the Arab summit held today, Friday, in Jeddah, and the text of which was published on the Kremlin website, that Russia traditionally attaches "great importance to developing friendly relations and constructive partnership cooperation with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa," in a statement. The framework of "Dialogue with the League of Arab States, in order to respond effectively to emerging threats and challenges facing humanity."

The Russian president indicated that his country is determined to continue supporting collective efforts for the peaceful resolution of acute regional issues, including "the crises in Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Syria, with unwavering respect for state sovereignty and the existing provisions of international law."

He stressed that Moscow will continue to provide "every possible assistance in order to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the approaches stipulated in the relevant United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, whose owner, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is hosting the current summit of the League of Arab States."

Putin said that continuing to expand multifaceted cooperation between Russia and the Arab countries "fully meets our common interests, and is in line with building a more just and democratic system of international relations, based on the principles of multipolarity, true equality and respect for the legitimate interests of all."

Xi congratulates the Arabs: The Jeddah summit is a new step on the road to unity and achievement

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country is happy to witness the Arab countries taking new steps on the path of unity and self-development with new achievements, in a congratulatory message from him on the occasion of the launch of the 32nd Arab Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday. ‏

"The Arab League has long been committed to strengthening the Arab world through unity and promoting peace, stability and development in the Middle East," Xi added, according to the Chinese newspaper "Global Times".

The Chinese president also expressed his appreciation to Saudi Arabia, saying that "as an important power in a multipolar world, it has made positive contributions to strengthening solidarity and coordination among Arab countries, and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East."

He also added, "China and the Arab countries have enjoyed a strong traditional friendship for thousands of years, and in recent years, the strategic partnership between the two sides has grown and achieved fruitful results, setting a good example of South-South cooperation and mutual benefit."