Iraq’s Minister of Trade Atheer Dawood Salman has reiterated his country’s support for all efforts aimed at achieving Arab economic integration and creating a balance in the economies of Arab countries.
Speaking during the ministerial meeting of the Economic and Social Council in preparation for the 33rd Arab Summit in Manama on Sunday, Salman emphasized the need to fortify and strengthen the Arab environment in the face of numerous rapid global and regional changes, particularly economic and social crises and their repercussions.
He called for coordinated national policies to address international environmental changes, urging Arab joint action institutions to play an active role in coordinating Arab economic and trade policies to align with global economic developments.
The Iraqi minister emphasized the importance of the topics and agendas discussed in this summit session, particularly those related to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and the establishment of the Arab Customs Union, as well as issues concerning the health sector and water security, which are crucial for supporting sustainable development, among other relevant economic and social matters.
He expressed Baghdad’s support for all efforts and outcomes aimed at achieving the desired goal of moving towards economic integration, creating a balance in Arab economies, and overcoming all obstacles and challenges, especially considering that Arab intra-trade, according to the Arab Monetary Fund data, is estimated at $700 billion, equivalent to 11% of global trade volume.
He stressed the collective responsibility towards the Arab cause, particularly the Palestinian issue, and the suffering of Gaza and its resilient people, calling for joint humanitarian and ethical actions to ensure the flow of food, medical aid, and relief supplies.
Salman urged the international community, in all its formations and organizations, to shoulder its responsibilities and make decisive decisions to halt the Zionist machine of death and destruction, and to open safe passages for the delivery of water, food, fuel, and medical assistance to the injured and wounded.
He affirmed Iraq’s support, as a nation and government, for all international and UN efforts in this regard.
Salman expressed confidence in Bahrain’s presidency of the preparatory meeting of the Economic and Social Council for the Arab Summit, which will give a strong impetus to the joint Arab work.
He also thanked the General Secretariat of the Arab League and its affiliated bodies, especially the Secretary-General and his assistants, and all the employees of the General Secretariat of the Arab League for their outstanding and commendable performance.
