Your Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar
Your Excellencies heads of delegations,
Esteemed attendees,
I would like to begin by extending my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the leadership, government, and people of the State of Qatar for their gracious hospitality and warm welcome extended to us here in the vibrant city of Doha, a beacon of modernity. I also commend Qatar for its initiative to host the third session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Arab region, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan share a geographical, civilisational, and cultural space marked by numerous commonalities. Over the past decades, our relationships have intertwined, and exchanges have flourished, giving rise to a collective cultural heritage that fills us with pride. We proudly recognise prominent scientific figures from our shared history, such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni, Al-Bukhari, Al-Farghani, and others, who exemplify the remarkable achievements of our common civilisation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Since its inception, the League of Arab States has been committed not only to fostering Arab integration but also to strengthening cooperation with various regional entities. Given the geographical proximity and shared historical heritage, it was natural for the League to seek fruitful cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Consequently, the League signed memorandums of understanding with Azerbaijan in 2005, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 2007, and Tajikistan in 2014, aiming to enhance political, economic, and cultural ties.
Building on these initiatives, Arab countries established the Forum for Economics and Cooperation with Central Asian countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan under the League of Arab States' auspices. This forum serves as an institutional framework for regulating and nurturing joint relations, providing a platform for consultation on matters crucial for the development and stability of both sides.
The convening of the third session of the forum after seven years reaffirms the enduring nature of our common historical and cultural ties, rooted in a rich heritage. It is incumbent upon us to revitalise these relations. The League of Arab States is committed to deepening these shared components and foundations, propelling them towards broader horizons.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It's evident that our countries are confronted with multifaceted and simultaneous challenges and crises that cannot be tackled in isolation. We are all witnessing the perilous and unprecedented developments stemming from the brutal Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which adds to Israel's long history of crimes, notably the ongoing occupation and its evolution into a system of apartheid. Recent events also signal a potential escalation of the conflict, threatening to drag the region into a vicious cycle of violence and devastation. It's imperative to intensify efforts to prevent further dangerous escalation and halt the deterioration of the situation.
Recent events underscore Israel's agenda to eradicate the Palestinian cause, resorting to forced displacement at the expense of neighbouring countries—a scheme vehemently opposed by Arabs, Muslims, and the international community. Israel aims to divert global attention from its atrocities in Gaza by instigating new conflicts. Our stance on this matter is unequivocal: there can be no peace for Israel without an end to the occupation of Arab lands and the fulfillment of Palestinian rights, including the establishment of a state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Today, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has become an urgent humanitarian imperative to halt one of the gravest crimes against humanity in the 21st century. Over two million Palestinians are in dire need of assistance, yet the occupation authorities are obstructing aid delivery, opting instead for further indiscriminate military operations. They disregard international appeals to halt the conflict.
On another front, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to seeking comprehensive political solutions to the crises plaguing the region, including those in Syria, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen. These solutions must be founded on inclusive political consensus, cessation of foreign interference, and preservation of territorial integrity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You agree with me that working to develop common economic interests and build economic mechanisms would accelerate economic integration between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan.
The success of our forum relies not only on achieving consensus on visions and political positions, but also on prioritising trade exchange and expanding investment opportunities. The current level of trade exchange between the two groups falls significantly short of our ambitions and the collective capabilities possessed by our countries.
Our meeting today, comprising foreign ministers and economic ministers, underscores our genuine interest in developing joint cooperation to the fullest extent possible. I emphasise the importance of convening the first session of the Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference with Central Asian countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan, a gathering that has been postponed since 2015.
In conclusion, the League of Arab States is fully committed to giving concrete content to our partnership and developing its mechanisms to achieve our desired ambitions. I call on all our countries, in this esteemed forum, to advance the strengthening of joint cooperation in various fields and to overcome obstacles hindering our progress. Let us create new cooperation mechanisms in various sectors, deepening the process of collaboration and benefiting both sides. I also anticipate the holding of the fourth session of the forum in one of the Central Asian countries or Azerbaijan in 2026.
May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
