Iraq, a staunch advocate of diplomacy, has in recent years become a hub where regional leaders meet and discuss solutions to conflicts.
Amid a backdrop of escalating regional turmoil, the 34th Arab League Summit convened in Baghdad in May 2025, under the slogan “Dialogue, Solidarity and Growth.” It drew six heads of state, senior officials and delegates from international organizations, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Chaired by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, the summit involved several topics, including discussions of peace and security in Gaza, as well as the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to halt the devastating conflict in Sudan.
Since April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has plunged Sudan into chaos and a deepening humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions.
“Iraq has pursued a foreign policy that prioritizes partnership and cooperation with you, promoting the common interests of our countries, based on the principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in the internal affairs [of other countries] and non-alignment,” Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in his remarks.
“Iraq is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms. Building on these principles, we have supported solutions based on dialogue and understanding, contributed to bringing together many divergent viewpoints, and pursued productive diplomacy to contribute to the growth of bonds of brotherhood, religion and moderate ideologies.”
Regarding Gaza and South Lebanon, al-Sudani proposed creating an Arab fund to support reconstruction efforts, pledging $20 million to the fund for Gaza and another $20 million for southern Lebanon.
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi called for unity in the face of daunting challenges: “We hold our summit today at a difficult historical juncture, as our region faces complex challenges and unprecedented circumstances that require all of us, leaders and peoples, to stand united and show unwavering will to preserve our homelands and protect our peoples.”
Guterres also commended the progress Iraq has made since the restoration of sovereignty in 2004, such as resolving outstanding disputes through dialogue, strengthening institutions and promoting sustainable development as well as human rights.
“Despite the enormous challenges, let us draw lessons and hope from here in Baghdad. Working in unity and solidarity, we can help resolve conflicts and build a future of peace and prosperity,” he said.
Sources: Al Jazeera, the United Nations