The address of His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi,-Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communications Sector,-League of Arab States/ At the Opening of the Embassies Football League Under the Theme "League of Arab States Cup 2025"
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I am honoured to convey to you the greetings of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, together with his best wishes to you all and to the countries and diplomatic missions you represent for continued success and prosperity. I trust that this joyful sporting event will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen bonds of fraternity and friendship, while deepening channels of communication and cooperation among us.
By hosting this distinguished event under the theme "League of Arab States Cup 2025," the League reaffirms its firm belief in the vital role of sport—not merely as a source of entertainment or competition, but as an instrument of soft power that directly contributes to strengthening relations between peoples and nations. Sport is a refined means of promoting the values of tolerance and mutual respect. It is a universal language, transcending politics and cultural differences, uniting us all under the principles of fair play and genuine sportsmanship.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Embassies Football League, whose launch we celebrate today, is a vivid example of "sports diplomacy." Diplomats meet on the field just as they do at the negotiating table, but here in a different, more spontaneous and profoundly human language. This spirit is embodied in the organisation of this tournament, which has enjoyed the attention and support of the Council of Arab Youth and Sports Ministers, owing to its symbolic value and noble humanitarian message.
This event also reflects the League of Arab States' growing focus on youth and sport as essential pillars for advancing sustainable development, security, and social peace. With their educational and cultural dimensions, sports serve as a solid bridge for nurturing balanced global citizens—capable of creativity, innovation, and contributing to the shaping of a better future for our nations.
As we celebrate the launch of this league, we look forward to it becoming a platform for fostering teamwork and consolidating a culture of cooperation and fraternity among diplomatic missions, thereby embodying the overarching mission of the League of Arab States: a unified Arab home that remains open to its notable guests from across the world.
I cannot conclude without extending my sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to the preparation and organisation of this sporting event. In particular, I wish to thank His Excellency Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Chairman of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Youth and Sports Ministers, together with the staff of his distinguished ministry, for their unwavering support of joint Arab action. I also extend my gratitude to my colleagues in the Social Affairs Department and to all those who contributed to the success of this event.
In closing, I wish every participating team the very best, and I hope the prominent audience will enjoy competitions marked by the spirit of true sportsmanship. May this league remain a renewed platform for strengthening friendship and cooperation among us all.
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
