Sudani Announces Fund for Arab Recovery

At the 34th Arab League Summit held in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the launch of 18 initiatives to revitalize Arab cooperation, including the establishment of an Arab fund for post-conflict recovery. In a key financial commitment, Iraq pledged $40 million for reconstruction efforts—$20 million each for Gaza and Lebanon.

While al-Sudani offered few details on the broader set of initiatives, he underscored the urgency of launching an Arab Reconstruction and Recovery Fund to support countries emerging from wars and crises. The proposal aligns with Iraq’s growing diplomatic engagement and emphasis on regional stability through economic development.

Opening his address by welcoming Arab leaders to Baghdad, al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s commitment to a foreign policy based on partnership and mutual respect. “Our vision for ending regional crises begins with the Palestinian people’s right to a free and dignified life on their own land,” he said, condemning what he described an ongoing genocide in Gaza and forced displacement of Palestinians.

Al-Sudani called for urgent Arab action to “rescue Gaza” and urged the reactivation of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, in both Gaza and the West Bank.

On Lebanon, the Iraqi leader reaffirmed support for a ceasefire in the south and condemned repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty. He also reiterated Iraq’s backing for Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty, rejecting any foreign domination or intervention.

“We will support the Syrian people in establishing a state of citizenship and constitutional democracy,” al-Sudani said, advocating for an inclusive political transition, protection of religious freedoms, and a unified front against terrorism.

Al-Sudani welcomed a recent decision by US President Donald Trump—announced during a visit to Saudi Arabia—to ease certain sanctions on Syria, viewing it as a potential step toward broader regional normalization.

On Yemen and Sudan, he expressed Iraq’s support for unity and sovereignty, calling for an end to conflict and division in both nations. He urged greater Arab support for humanitarian relief and UN-led efforts to achieve lasting political settlements.

aawsat.com