Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, met with Catherine Colonna, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, during her visit to Cairo on Thursday, 14 September.
Gamal Roshdy, the official spokesperson for the Secretary-General, disclosed that the meeting delved into comprehensive discussions covering a range of paramount regional and international matters during the current phase. Foremost among these topics were developments in the Middle East region, with a particular focus on issues pertaining to Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, and Sudan.
The official spokesperson clarified that the meeting revolved around developments in the Palestinian matter. Aboul Gheit cautioned against the repercussions of persistent oppressive Israeli practices against the Palestinians, especially in the context of the most extremist Israeli government in history. He emphasised France's influential role as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council and its prominence within the European Union. France is urged to take proactive steps in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, notably their right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Additionally, it is essential to pressure Israel into complying with legitimate decisions and halt unilateral policies that undermine the two-state solution.
The spokesperson highlighted that the Secretary-General and the French Minister also deliberated on the latest developments in Syria. Aboul Gheit sought to inform the Minister about the outcomes of the recent meeting held by the Syria Contact Group in Cairo, emphasising the significance of comprehending the unified Arab decision to reinstate Syria in its regional role. This is considered a means to foster a cohesive Arab response to the protracted Syrian crisis. Aboul Gheit underscored the League's commitment to preserving robust Arab-European relations and avoiding tensions related to the Syrian matter.
Moreover, the official spokesperson noted that Mr. Aboul Gheit and the French Minister discussed developments in other vital regional and international issues, including the situation in Libya. The Secretary-General expressed his hope for a political solution in Libya, owned and driven by the Libyan people, with the ultimate aim of fulfilling their aspirations through free and fair elections. He also stressed the Arab stance's steadfastness in demanding the withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries, and fighters from Libyan territory.
In addition, the meeting explored avenues to enhance the existing institutional dialogue between the League of Arab States and the European Union. This endeavour seeks to broaden cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the two entities.
