Key Arab topics tackled in Egypt
cairo — The UAE has participated in the extraordinary ministerial meetings of the Arab Economic and Social Council at the headquarters of the Secretariat General of the Arab League in Cairo, which was held in preparation for the 4th Arab Development, Economic and Social Forum, which will be held in Beirut in January.
The UAE delegation was led by Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Under-secretary of the Ministry of Economy for Economic Affairs, on behalf of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, and a number of officials.
Al Shehhi said that the UAE, in light of the directives of the wise leadership and its belief in the importance of joint Arab action, as well as its role in shaping a better future for Arab countries, is keen to participate in the meetings of the council, enrich it with useful discussions and initiatives, and support its recommendations and decisions, as it is a key platform for improving the coordination between Arab countries.
He added that the council has acquired special importance as a platform for consultation and discussion among Arab delegations on their economic and social efforts that will be presented at the summit. The meetings agenda includes 23 items, notably the Arab League secretary-general’s report on the joint economic, social and development action, and a report on following up the implementation of resolutions issued in previous Arab summits.
Among the topics scheduled to be raised is reinforcing Arab economic and social integration, such as Arab food security; integration and trade in agricultural; plant and livestock production; and creating an emergency programme for Arab food security.
Concerning food security, the leaders will review Sudan’s initiative on this, and the Arab food security emergency programme, as well as livestock products in the region.
The meetings are slated to discuss an item on the developments of establishing a greater Arab free trade zone and finalising requirements for constructing an Arab customs union and the charter for promoting SMEs sector, among many others. —