Arab ministers agree on 10 socioeconomic priorities for summit

DEAD SEA — Arab ministers on Sunday proposed ten draft decisions to be referred to leaders during their summit on Wednesday, according to the Arab Summit Preparatory Committee. 

Participants at the Socioeconomic Council ministerial meeting came up with ten proposals related to inter-Arab trade, customs unity and the status of women, said Rima Aladdin, the spokesperson of the summit’s preparatory committee. 

“The proposed projects are also related to the knowledge-based economy, technological innovation and food security. The ministers also agreed to enact an Arab strategy to revive marine life,” she added, noting that the ministers announced the 2030 Arab strategy to improve the status of women, which focuses on their economic, political and social empowerment. 

The strategy also outlines mechanisms to protect women from all forms of violence, including those inflicted during armed conflict and terrorist acts. 

In line with their commitment to developing Arab individuals’ capacities and create a better future for future generations, the Arab officials discussed ways to push joint economic and development efforts forward, according to Aladdin. 

She noted that talks also covered the issue of refugees, stressing the need to provide full support to both Arab host communities and the Syrian refugee community. 

Terrorism was also a priority during the meeting, where it was acknowledged as a primary challenge affecting socioeconomic development in the Arab world, noted Aladdin. 

Regarding customs, the ministers agreed to instruct the Arab League Council to begin preparing a special protocol for customs unity to be applied by the Arab Customs Union.