Upon his arrival at King Khaled International Airport, Mr. Akhannouch was welcomed by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Ben Abderrahmane Ben Abdelaziz, Deputy Governor of the Riyadh region.
The Head of Government will be accompanied during this Summit, scheduled for Monday at the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Morocco is ''unique'' (Stéphane Séjourné)”>African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad, Mr. Nasser Bourita.
The Moroccan delegation notably includes the Moroccan ambassador to Egypt and its permanent representative to the League of Arab States, Mohamed Ait Ouali, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and permanent representative of Morocco to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OCI), Mustapha Mansouri, as well as diplomatic executives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had called for the holding of this Summit with a view to examining developments in the situation in the region, in light of the continuation of the Israeli war against Gaza and Lebanon, and its repercussions on the regional security and stability, as well as coordinating positions between member states.
This Summit, which follows on from the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held on November 11, 2023 in Riyadh, was preceded by the preparatory ministerial meeting for the Extraordinary Summit, with the participation of Arab and Islamic member states, including Morocco.
Interview with Expert on Middle Eastern Relations and Recent Summit Developments
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed, a renowned expert in Middle Eastern politics. We appreciate your time today to discuss the recent developments surrounding the Summit in Saudi Arabia, especially in the wake of ongoing tensions in the region.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Thank you for having me. It’s an important time to discuss these issues.
Time.news Editor: To begin, can you provide an overview of the significance of the recent summit hosted by Saudi Arabia, especially with leaders like Mr. Akhannouch and Mr. Bourita attending?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Absolutely. The summit symbolizes a strategic response to escalating conflicts, particularly the ongoing Israeli war against Gaza and Lebanon. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by organizing this meeting, aims to unify member states’ positions on these critical issues, which is vital for regional security and stability.
Time.news Editor: What are the primary objectives that the summit aims to achieve in terms of geopolitical stability?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: The primary objectives include assessing the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, coordinating responses among Arab and Islamic nations, and establishing a unified front to advocate for peace. This is crucial as the continuous conflict poses threats not only to the regions directly involved but also to broader international security.
Time.news Editor: The attendance of various Moroccan diplomats, such as the ambassadors to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, indicates a strong diplomatic presence. What role does Morocco play in this context?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Morocco plays a pivotal role in regional diplomacy. Its participation demonstrates its commitment to collaborative solutions and positions itself as a mediator in Arab and Islamic relations. The Moroccan delegates, led by figures like Mr. Bourita, are influential in shaping dialogue and policy responses during these high-stakes discussions.
Time.news Editor: How do you think these summits impact public opinion in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Summits like these serve dual purposes: they offer a platform for solidarity among member states while also addressing public sentiment. Many citizens in affected regions look to their governments for decisive action. Effectively communicating outcomes from such meetings can bolster public support and trust in governmental institutions.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what should we anticipate from the outcomes of this summer in terms of diplomatic resolutions?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: It is essential to monitor any agreements or statements that emerge post-summit. If member states can publicly align their strategies and position, we might see initiatives aimed at humanitarian aid, ceasefire negotiations, and long-term resolutions to the conflicts. However, concrete results will depend on the willingness of involved parties to compromise.
Time.news Editor: For our readers who wish to stay informed about developments like these, what practical advice do you have on how to engage with this topic further?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: I suggest following credible news sources that specialize in Middle Eastern affairs, as well as engaging with think tanks that provide analysis on such geopolitical events. Readers should also consider following social media updates from the diplomats involved and joining forums discussing these issues to gain varied perspectives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Sayed, for your insightful analysis. Your expertise provides valuable context for understanding the complexities of the current situation in the Middle East.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we stay informed and engaged as these situations develop.