Firstly, I am delighted to announce the commencement of the Arab-British Economic Summit in its third edition, which I perceive as a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two sides. My sincere thanks go to the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Arab Chambers for their dedicated efforts in organising this event. I express gratitude to all those who contributed to facilitating this endeavour.
I address you today from a region once again engulfed in a war of alarming proportions. We find ourselves in challenging days due to the brutal Israeli aggression against Gaza.
A pervasive sense of loss of confidence in the common human values that the world upholds has surfaced. It is disheartening to observe that many countries, particularly in the West, seem not to attribute the same value to human life. There is a glaring double standard in how wars and their victims are perceived.
Public opinion, whether in the Arab region or elsewhere, cannot be swayed by any justification for the killing of over 11,000 people, predominantly women and children. There is no rationale for such actions; it is an outright crime that demands immediate cessation and accountability for its perpetrators. This realisation is shared by people of good conscience worldwide, including the hundreds of thousands who have demonstrated in the British capital, advocating for an immediate ceasefire. These voices resonate and are appreciated in the region.
We also acknowledge the stance of those who reject indiscriminate killing and collective punishment. Simultaneously, we express profound disappointment in the international system that allows this crime to persist for weeks without interruption — a failure not just on the perpetrators but on the entire international system to provide protection to innocent civilians from the ravages of a vengeful war waged by a military force disregarding law and humanity.
The value of the human soul is universal, rooted in our human and religious values that emphasise the imperative of avoiding the scourge of military operations. We emphatically condemn the killing or targeting of civilians, expecting everyone to adopt a similarly moral and principled position. Nothing justifies attacks on hospitals, schools, and places of worship, nor the devastation inflicted by the occupying forces on the resilient residents of the Gaza Strip.
When 57 Arab and Islamic countries convened in an extraordinary summit in Riyadh, the message was unequivocal: an immediate ceasefire is imperative, alongside a sustainable mechanism to provide aid to over two million Palestinians facing a humanitarian catastrophe. The collapse of life systems in Gaza, with most hospitals ceasing services, has pushed the region to the brink of famine, especially with winter approaching, heightening the risk of infectious diseases.
Despite several failures, the Security Council recently issued a resolution calling for humanitarian truces and aid corridors — a small step that underscores its indecision. It is high time to halt this tragedy, but regrettably, my confidence in the council's ability to enforce its will on the occupying force is lacking.
We are confronted with a critical juncture, and each passing day without halting this destructive war intensifies feelings of hatred and hostility. It also distances us further from the only viable solution to this conflict — the establishment of two states. This solution necessitates ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, fostering coexistence with Israel in security and peace. This widely accepted solution has been embraced by Palestinians, Arabs, and the global community, except for the occupying state, which opted for settlement over peace.
They have chosen to promote security solutions and fictitious scenarios, such as the forced transfer of Palestinians, which are known and rejected by the international community and the region itself, including the League of Arab States and its member states. Ladies and gentlemen, discussing the Gaza war aligns with the purpose of your meeting. All of you are involved in the field of trade exchange and investment, and you are well aware of how your sector is impacted by instability, as evident in the Arab region today.
The stability we seek for our region can only be realised through the establishment of a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, resolving the Palestinian issue. Rest assured, when this occurs, the Middle East will become a central hub for all regional countries, more attractive for substantial investments, and trade opportunities will multiply.
The longstanding ties between the United Kingdom and Arab countries are a valuable asset that can be leveraged to enhance joint cooperation. This is especially true in light of the significant opportunities arising from the development plan launched by Britain post its exit from the European Union, as well as the diverse projects outlined in Arab economic plans and initiatives.
Arab-British trade exchange, despite facing considerable competition from traditional and emerging economic powers, remains pivotal, reaching $57 billion by the end of 2021 — a figure expected to rise given the surge in British imports of energy materials following the war outbreak in Ukraine. Additionally, partnership agreements between Britain and several Arab countries have led to a noteworthy doubling of investments, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region.
Notably, the investment climate has improved in many Arab countries, as confirmed by figures from the Arab Investment Export Credit Guarantee Corporation. The League of Arab States indicates a substantial increase in foreign direct investment projects in 2022, with 1,617 projects worth $200 billion, and this trend is anticipated to continue into 2023.
To elevate and strengthen this cooperation, the League of Arab States and its affiliated organisations, including the Union of Arab Chambers and the Arab-British Trade Commission, will continue their efforts to facilitate Arab trade exchange with the United Kingdom, aligning with the common goals of both parties.
In conclusion, the topics slated for discussion in this summit — water, food security, climate change, health, and the digital economy — are all priority issues for Arab countries and Britain. I am confident that your deliberations will yield results and recommendations that serve our common interests. Thank you
