The Iraqi government has denied granting an official invitation to Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa for the Arab Summit in Baghdad, which has no confirmed date yet. The final decision on invitations is still pending, and Iraq is preparing to host the 34th Arab Summit in 2025, following Syria’s decision to relinquish hosting duties. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s dedication to enhancing Arab cooperation.
A senior official from the Iraqi government refuted claims regarding an invitation sent to Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa for the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad. Speaking anonymously, the official confirmed, “no invitation has been issued to Al-Sharaa up to this point.” Furthermore, they clarified that an official date for the Summit has not been determined, and therefore, no invitations to any Arab nations have been extended. The final decision regarding an invitation to Al-Sharaa remains pending.
The Arab League had earlier received a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to host the next Arab Summit in Baghdad, which was proposed at the Riyadh summit in May 2023. Following the Arab League’s approval, it was announced that Baghdad is set to host the 34th Arab Summit in 2025, after Syria opted to forfeit hosting duties in favor of Iraq. Al-Sudani affirmed Baghdad’s role in fostering Arab cooperation to address regional challenges and stated Iraq’s commitment to support Arab initiatives and ensure the success of the summit.
The Arab Summit serves as a crucial platform for Arab leaders to discuss significant political, economic, and social issues affecting the region. Iraq’s proposal to host the summit stems from a desire to strengthen regional ties. However, the continuous political complexities involving Syria necessitate careful diplomatic considerations, especially concerning invitations and legitimacy within the League of Arab States.
In conclusion, the Iraqi government has denied extending an invitation to Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa for the upcoming Arab Summit. With no date set for the summit, the decision on invitations remains undecided. Iraq is progressing towards hosting the summit in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to regional unity and cooperation.
Original Source: shafaq.com
