The meeting of senior officials of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab summit begins with the participation of Syria

Jeddah, (ST) – The work of the meeting of senior officials of the Economic and Social Council, preparatory to the work of the Arab summit, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on the 19th of May, began today, with the participation of Syria.

The Head of the Syrian delegation, Rania Ahmed, said during the meeting: Syria expresses its appreciation and thanks to the Arab countries that provided assistance to mitigate the repercussions of the earthquake disaster on the Syrian people.

Ahmed said: Syria pays great attention to the return of the war-displaced to their cities and homes, and this matter requires revitalizing the economic movement in their regions by encouraging the establishment of small and medium enterprises in various sectors. “Legislations and programs have been issued to support this and provide facilities for foreign companies wishing to invest”, she added.

Ahmed continued: We call for work to remove tariff and non-tariff restrictions on intra-trade movement, in a way that enhances the role of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area in Arab economic development.

At the beginning of the session of the meeting, the Head of the Algerian delegation, Laila Bukhari confirmed that today’s meeting of the Council gains its importance from the fact that it discusses economic and social issues related to the reality of our Arab societies, and it is held in the presence of the delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic.

In the speech of Saudi Arabia, the Chair of the session, Abdul Mohsen Saad Khalaf referred to the importance of economic integration among the Arab countries to expand the margin of flexibility in facing challenges and risks. He indicated the need to come up with decisions that would advance Arab economic action with the concerted efforts of all, in a way that helps advance joint Arab action.

Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector at the General Secretariat of the Arab League said: The preparatory work and meetings for the summit are of special importance, as they witness the participation of the Syrian delegation, which we particularly welcome. She stressed the need to prepare the Council’s agenda, based on the priorities of joint action and the promotion of Arab economic action, to contribute to the Arab development process.

The meeting also included a closed session during which the draft agenda and a number of draft Arab economic decisions were discussed and adopted.

In a statement to SANA after the meeting, Assistant Minister of Economy Rania Ahmed stressed the importance of the participation of the Syrian delegation. She said that economic and social developments and aspects were discussed, and views were exchanged.

Ahmed stressed the need to participate in decision-making that should be reflected in the development of joint Arab economic action.

The Syrian delegation includes Assistant Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade for International Affairs Rania Ahmed, Director of Arab Affairs Department Ambassador Dr. Riyad Abbas, Director of International Relations Dr. Anas Al-Bikai, and Counselor Ihsan Rumman from the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Raghda Sawas