Sahar Ragab
In a keynote address at the extraordinary session of the Council of the Union of Arab Chambers, held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit warned that the Arab region is facing unprecedented challenges amid escalating regional tensions, stressing that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a serious threat to global supply chains and economic stability.
Aboul Gheit strongly condemned what he described as Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, calling them clear violations of international law and unacceptable under any pretext due to their destabilizing impact on regional security.
He noted that the ongoing crisis has underscored the strategic importance of the Arab region in the global economy, emphasizing the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and to develop alternative trade routes, alongside advancing regional connectivity projects to better withstand future shocks.
The Secretary-General also highlighted that joint Arab action remains the only viable path to overcoming current challenges, underlining the critical role of the Arab private sector as a key driver of sustainable development. He further pointed to ongoing efforts to finalize a new Arab investment agreement aimed at boosting intra-Arab economic cooperation.
He concluded by reaffirming the League’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen economic collaboration between Arab countries and promote stability and growth in the face of evolving regional and global dynamics.