Syrian and Arab participation in permanent call for primacy of higher Arab interests and development of mechanisms for joint action

Based on its belief in the importance of Arab solidarity and its necessity to preserve Arab national security and common interests, Syria has spared no effort to unite the Arab ranks and works to enhance cooperation to confront the challenges besetting the Arab nation, in a way that serves the development and stability of the Arab people and achieves development and prosperity for them. The Syrian and Arab cooperation would help to stand against foreign interference in the interior affairs of Arab countries.

The Arab Summit hosted in Damascus in 2008 focused on unifying Arab positions on crucial issues. During the 2008-summit,  President Bashar al-Assad affirmed that there is no alternative to joint Arab action in a world witnessing important transformations whose directions are determined by the major international powers. This prompted many countries of the world to form regional groupings that support their strength and advance their interests even if there is no common factor among them.

In the “Damascus Declaration” issued at the conclusion of the summit, Arab leaders stressed the commitment to strengthening Arab solidarity in a way that preserves Arab security and working to overcome Arab-Arab differences through serious dialogue and giving priority to the highest interests of the Arab nation over any differences that may arise. They also confirmed to stand together in the face of campaigns and political and economic pressures against any of the Arab countries. They highlighted the continuation of full support for the Palestinian people to restore their rights and their occupied land, with Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the return of refugees and the release of prisoners.

At the Sirte Summit, which was held in March 2010, Syria presented an initiative to manage Arab-Arab disputes and a mechanism for holding the summit and presenting initiatives sufficiently before it is held to ensure its success, as President al-Assad indicated that many of the differences were caused by the way of dealing and not the issues themselves.

Inas Abdulkareem