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The former Algerian middle-distance runner won her country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. She navigated a deadly and divisive political crisis within her nation to emerge as “a symbol of victory and defiance”.
Hassiba Boulmerka and her family received death threats, and she was even denounced as anti-Islam at her local mosque.
However, in her home country of Algeria, there was no safe space for her to run.
The world 1500m world champion feared that radical Islamist militants would kill her, and the surrounding atmosphere was equally terrifying.
But despite the risks, the ‘Constantine Gazelle’ continued to train, running even faster and defying the threats to her life.
A year after clinching the first of her two world titles, she made history at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, winning the first Olympic gold for Algeria .
Hassiba Boulmerka: Africa’s first world track champion
Running had been Boulmerka’s way of life since the age of 10.
Growing up in Constantine, in the east of Algeria, she gained recognition for her speed and stamina, which led her to claim four African gold medals in the 800m and 1500m.
Two years after her double triumph at the continental championships, she stunned the field, sprinting to the lead in the homestretch of the 1500m race to clinch the gold.
It was a glorious moment for Boulmerka, as she became the first African woman to earn a World Championships title.
“I screamed for joy and for shock, and for much more,” she said. “I was screaming for Algeria’s pride and Algeria’s history, and still more.”
Her triumph was significant, symbolising progress for Algerian sport and Arab women.
Despite the heroic reception that awaited her and her teammates upon their return from the 1991 World Championships, her running didn’t quite resonate with everyone.
Her sporting endeavours continued to be frowned upon.
Training and competing meant exposing her arms and legs, which was perceived as not adhering to Islam’s code of modesty.
Hassiba Boulmerka was labelled ‘anti-Muslim’ for choosing to run
Boulmerka pressed ahead, enduring the criticism.
She faced hostility, being spat on and having to dodge stones thrown at her while training on Algerian roads.
In a matter of months, her hopes and dreams of participating in the Olympics started to fade as her country was plunged into civil unrest, resulting in over 150,000 lives lost.
Training became not only impossible but also dangerous during the crisis, with Islamist militants seeking to impose oppressive rule.
She was forced to relocate to Berlin to train ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games.
“I remember it well,” she recalled in an interview with the BBC. “It was Friday prayers at our local mosque, and the imam said that I was not a Muslim, because I had run in shorts, shown my arms and my legs. He said I was anti-Muslim.”
When she arrived in Barcelona just before her event, Boulmerka was accompanied by armed escorts into the stadium, highlighting the unprecedented security measures.
“There were police everywhere. In the stadium, in the changing rooms – they even came with me to the bathroom!” she said.
Despite these challenges, the ‘Constantine Gazelle’, as she was affectionately dubbed for her agile and graceful running style, defied the odds and her performance at the Estádio Olímpico was remarkable.
Hassiba Boulmerka: A heroine for women in sport
The Unified Team’s Lyudmila Rogacheva set the pace for most of the 1500m race before the Algerian powered past her with half a lap to go, securing her greatest career victory. Her time of three minutes, 55.30 seconds earned her the Olympic gold medal, marking the second time second time an Arab woman had stood atop the Games podium (after Morocco’s Nawal El-Moutawakel at Los Angeles 1984).
It was a beautiful ending after months of navigating political challenges – an example of ‘courage in defying taboos and pursuing passion’.
“As I crossed the line, I thrust a fist into the air. It was a symbol of victory, of defiance. It was to say: ‘I did it! I won! And now, if you kill me, it’ll be too late. I’ve made history!'”
As Boulmerka stood on the podium, feeling the weight of the medal around her neck, she was overwhelmed by emotions.
“I tried to hold myself together, to be brave…but the tears just started to fall. They were tears of sacrifice, for all the people I loved that I had abandoned for this race.
“It was a triumph for women all over the world to stand up to their enemies. That’s what made me really proud.”
There was no fanfare when the two-time Olympian returned home to reunite with her family.
Algeria was still far away from the end of its dark period, prompting he exile in Cuba before she returned to Algeria after recapturing the gold medal at the 1995 World Championships.
Her medals stand as a testament to her courage, and Hassiba Boulmerka continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for women in sport.
The pioneering Riyadh resident knocked out Egypt’s Nada Faheem at the inaugural edition of PFL MENA in Riyadh last week.
As her opponent lay defeated on the floor, the Saudi mixed martial arts fighter marked a landmark victory by waving an imaginary sword in the air.
The celebration was appropriate— Hattan Alsaif’s family name translates directly as “the sword.”
Overnight, Saudi had a new sporting superstar.
On May 10, the 22-year-old made headlines around the world after she knocked out Egypt’s Nada Faheem, delivering a head kick in the second round of their bout at the inaugural Professional Fighters League Middle East and North Africa edition in Riyadh.
Her win, she says, was also a message of love and commitment to her friends, family and fans.
“It [the win] was something I was so proud of,” Alsaif told Arab News. “To make them see how far I reached, and I was doing my best to show them that I will never let them down.”
The future of Saudi women in MMA has been brewing for some time. In February, Alsaif made history when she became the first female from the Kingdom to sign a contract with a major MMA promoter – the PFL, now backed by Saudi’s public investment fund.
Her performance at the Green Halls last week has raised her profile beyond her hometown or even the region. Alsaif is now an international contender.
She said representing Saudi Arabia “meant everything” to her: “I do love my country so much, and I wanted to represent my country in the best way I can.”
But behind the win were three months of relentless training — mental and physical — and even cage-like fights in her gym.
Alsaif is a relative newcomer to the sport. When she first began training in 2021, it was never part of the plan to turn professional.
“First five days I began boxing, I jumped in a championship, and I lost the game,” she said.
Alsaif took the loss as a wake-up call to shift her perspective.
“You have to work hard, you have to work more, so you can have what you want. So I got that point on my mind and I worked on it,” she said.
Alsaif’s appetite for risk and adrenaline rushes dates back to her school days when, she recalls, her late parents received numerous complaints about her behavior.
“They (the school) were always calling my parents. ‘Your kid is jumping from the classes and jumping from the roof and jumping everywhere’,” Alsaif said.
“I was (also) in love with hiking and I was so in love with the desert bikes.”
A fighting spirit feels almost inherited, considering the Kingdom’s own rich history.
“I was born in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia is my country. Saudi Arabia is in my blood,” she told Arab News.
“If I’m a girl from this city (Riyadh), that means I was born a fighter. I’m ready to sacrifice whatever it is for my country and for my people.”
For Alsaif, sports such as Muay Thai are more than physical battles against an opponent. She feels there is a psychological fight between the inner critic in her mind and the fighter in her heart.
“Your mind will tell you ‘It’s all right. You’re bleeding now. No one will blame you if you quit…just quit’,” she said. “If your mind says that, then your body is going to move as much as your mind told you. If you moved with your heart, courageous heart, then you win it.”
Alsaif’s Islamic faith and spirituality has carried her through life’s hardships, which included losing her parents as a child.
“But I always believe that God is with me, and that I’m never alone,” Alsaif said.
After religion, it’s mixed martial arts that provides solace, resilience and a feeling of belonging for Alsaif.
In the last three years, she has spent months in Muay Thai training camps in Ko Samui and Phuket, relishing even the hardest moments of tears, cuts and bruises.
“It was so amazing visiting Thailand and having a camp (there). That was one of my dreams,” she said.
The sports scene in Saudi Arabia has transformed so rapidly in recent years that a new generation of homegrown stars like Alsaif no longer needs to look beyond their borders or regions for role models.
Her inspiration is Saudi MMA fighter Abdullah Al-Qahtani, with whom she shares a coach.
“I can see how much discipline, motivation he has […] and how much hard work he does,” she said.
Their coach, Feras Sadaa, is “the best,” she said, adding that she frequently reminds herself she has his complete backing: “I always trust him.”
Alsaif’s routine is simple but rigorously disciplined and follows the vital components of sports development and recovery — train, eat, sleep and repeat.
Alsaif says she is focused on taking any opportunity that arrives in her path and hopes to see more Saudis competing in MMA.
“I know my people and I know that my people are good enough to enter that cage and to show us a good fight,” she said.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The 22-year-old Hattan Alsaifi made headlines around the world after she knocked out Egypt’s Nada Faheem. (Instagram: @hattanalsaif24)
The 111th session of the IUCN Council meeting began today in the city of Gland, Switzerland, chaired by Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The 3-day meeting discusses a group of issues, most notably “Vision.” The strategy for the Union” which extends for 20 years, and the Council is preparing it for review and comment by the members of the Union.
Al-Mubarak said in her speech during the meeting: “The strategic vision, which extends for twenty years, places at the heart of its attention the unprecedented challenges facing the climate and the survival of living species,” noting that in light of the increasing possibility of humanity exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement, Conservationists realize that their work will be more difficult and more important. She stressed the need to address these challenges by strengthening efforts and helping to support justice in the world so that we can all be more appreciative of nature and keen to preserve it.
During this session, the Council is scheduled to review and evaluate the initial draft of the Union’s program for the period 2026-2029, as a first step in the Union’s journey seeking to prepare the final version of the four-year plan, which will be voted on by the members, in preparation for its adoption during the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conference in 2017. 2025, which is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 15 next year, with the participation of representatives of public institutions, civil society, indigenous peoples, academia and the private sector.
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Changing World,” this event marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace.
Bringing together influential leaders from decision-making institutions, the forum offers an opportunity to forge partnerships addressing today’s complex challenges, the SPA reported.
It serves as a platform for global political figures, intellectual leaders and clerics to tackle issues of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development amid rapid transformations.
Attendees include former French president, Francois Hollande; Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the archbishop of Constantinople; Matteo Renzi, former Italian prime minister; and former president of Austria, Heinz Fischer.
Exploring dialogue’s transformative potential, the forum aims to advance human rights, social cohesion, reconciliation and environmental cooperation in line with the center’s mission, the SPA said.
By fostering cooperation among nations, international institutions and civil society, the forum seeks to build understanding between cultures and religions.
With participation from prominent figures across various fields, this forum holds significant potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence and societal advancement, the SPA reported.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The Lisbon forum marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace. (X: @KAICIID)
Al-Qasimi Hall at the Council of the Arabic Language in Mauritania hosted a scientific symposium entitled “Feature of verbal harmony in the construction of the Qur’anic surah: an authentic pause,” in which Dr. Muhammad Safi Al-Mustaghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, spoke via video communication technology, in the presence of Dr. Allah Al-Washmi, President of the King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language, and an elite group of scholars, researchers and linguists, and it was moderated by Dr. Al-Bakai Abdel Malik, Secretary-General of the Council of the Arabic Language in Mauritania.
Dr. Khalil Al-Nahwi, Chairman of the Arabic Language Council, said that the Council recently launched the “Hadith Al-Tayef” program as part of its research and scientific initiatives with the aim of hosting an elite group of scholars and researchers through audio-visual communication technology from various parts of the world, and Dr. Ahmed Safi Al-Mustaghanemi was chosen, who represents the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah – the Knowledge Edifice. The main partner of the Arab Linguistics Council, he will be the first guest to lecture in this pioneering scientific program.
Mosteghanemi highlighted the unique characteristics that distinguish the surahs of the Holy Qur’an, pointing to the wonderful harmony and precise linguistic organization that reflects unparalleled precision and miracle. He explained that each surah in the Holy Qur’an follows its own axis while adopting studied linguistic choices that are in harmony with this axis.
Al-Mustaghanemi provided illustrative examples from the Holy Qur’an, such as Surat Al-Naba’ and Surat Al-Nazi’at, to highlight these features, noting that linguistic harmony is not limited to the vocabulary of each surah and its focus, but extends to include the relationship between the conclusion of the surah and the opening of the surah that follows it, which is what the scholars of interpretation have confirmed in their previous studies, in addition to the connection between the surahs. Different types that share similar vocabulary, structures, or stories.
Making history by being the first Jordanian and Arab female doctor to enter Gaza, Asil Jallad assisted in delivering 500 babies during her two-month voluntary work in the war-torn Strip.
Jallad, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, has volunteered with the International Medical Corps and arrived to Gaza during the sixth week of the Israeli offensive on October 7.
With a daily workload of 10 to 15 childbirths, Jallad said she was extending medical assistance to Gaza’s most marginalised populations: Women and children.
Citing a UN report, Jallad said that every 10 minutes, a child is born in Gaza. Currently, between 50,000 to 60,000 women are pregnant, and there are approximately 155,000 women, including pregnant women and wet nurses, in need of medical attention.
Reflecting on her experiences, Jallad hailed the resilience of the women of Gaza, whom she described as the “true heroes amidst the chaos of war”.
“When I decided to go to Gaza, they kept telling me that I am a hero, but when you see the women of Gaza, you realise that you are merely a small heroine compared to the heroes you see every day,” she said.
In her role at the field hospital in the southern region by the International Medical Corps, Jallad said she had focused on providing comprehensive care for pregnant women, conducting surgeries, and offering consultations on sexual and reproductive health.
Despite grappling with limited medical equipment and resources, the International Medical Corps clinics in the field hospital in Gaza provide medical aid to 700 to 1000 patients every day, with the female clinic alone attending to 100 to 120 patients daily.
Jallad has witnessed firsthand the dire consequences of malnutrition among women in Gaza, leading to blood deficiency, dehydration and reproductive health issues.
She emphasised the “profound” challenges faced by pregnant women, including the dire shortage of postnatal care facilities. “Due to the limited number of beds available, pregnant women are compelled to vacate the center within two hours of giving birth, depriving them of crucial recovery time and support.”
“Pregnant women should have 10.5 hemoglobin levels as minimum, however I saw a pale pregnant woman with 4 hemoglobin level walking on her feet to support her other children in the tent.”
“One of the most touching cases, is when people come to consult to get pregnant, because the six months of war means six months in a woman’s life, and age is considered the most important factor in the pregnancy and birth.”
According to UNFPA, around 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers in Gaza are in desperate need of basic healthcare, while 690,000 women and girls in Gaza lack access to menstrual hygiene supplies and privacy with some reports of contraceptive pills being taken to avoid the unhygienic menstrual conditions.
Jallad said that the dire living conditions of displaced Palestinians, cramped into tiny tents with inadequate facilities, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
She decried the scarcity of essential medical supplies and the impact of restrictions on medication entry imposed by Israeli authorities.
As the conflict continues, Jallad warns of the looming threat of chronic health problems and blood clots due to the lack of medical aid delivery to the strip. She stresses the urgent need for increased access to medical care, particularly for pregnant women and new mothers who are struggling to survive amidst the devastation.
“Deformities will be seen in the next few years, or in the next 10-20 years, as we don’t know what are the ingredients used in the bombs.”
Jallad shed light on the mental health toll of the conflict, with many individuals unaware of the whereabouts or well-being of their families.
Despite recent efforts to improve medical facilities in certain areas, Jallad raised concerns about the neglect of the north, where millions of refugees reside. She underlined the urgent need for sustained international support to address the ongoing medical and humanitarian needs across Gaza.
Seven months since Israeli strikes began in response to October 7 attack, more than 10,000 women have been reportedly killed in Gaza, among them 6,000 mothers. Some 19,000 children have been orphaned, UN Women said.
The UN agency’s survey of 360 respondents, including 182 women in Rafah, revealed disturbing data that more than six in 10 pregnant women reported complications, including 95 per cent with urinary tract infections and 80 per cent with anemia. In households with nursing mothers, 72 per cent reported challenges in breastfeeding and in meeting the nutritional needs of their babies.
Born in Sohag, Egypt, Mathematician Mahmoud Abdel-Aty was awarded the world’s best mathematician by China for his contribution to quantum algorithms and quantum optics!
The scientist told Sky News Arabia “My name was nominated by a number of scholars from more than one country, and the committee filtered all the applicants and selected the best among them,”
The Chinese award Qin-Jiu-Shao is considered to be one of the most important awards in mathematics in the world will be awarded to winners in November.
The Egyptian scientist, who occupies the position of Chairman of the National Committee for Mathematics, confirmed that through him he was able to explain a large number of problems that had no explanation in the past, especially with the great and amazing progress in the manufacture of computers, especially quantum computers.
He also mentioned how happy he gets whenever he’s awarded saying, “It’s the most beautiful in his life,”
Adding “It gives us confidence that what we are doing is of real value.
The Award represents the great appreciation of our country, and the international awards represent a global appreciation for the name of Egypt and its great scientists.”
Microsoft has hired British-Syrian Mustafa Suleyman to head its AI business, cementing his role in the industry.
Mustafa Suleyman , a highly respected British-Syrian AI expert, has been named as Microsoft’s artificial intelligence business head, as the company cements its position in this booming field.
Suleyman co-founded DeepMind , which Google purchased in 2014, before starting up Inflection.ai in 2022 with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, to guide AI away from racist, sexist or violent behaviour. It has also been named a rival to Microsoft in the field of AI.
He also co-wrote ‘The Coming Wave’, a highly influential book in the tech industry that examines the potential and pitfalls of AI.
Microsoft said in a post on LinkedIn on Monday named Sulyaman as CEO of Microsoft AI, leading all of its consumer products and research, including its generative AI service Copilot as well as its Bing search engine and Edge browser.
He will report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella , who welcomed his appointment in a blog post.
“This infusion of new talent will enable us to accelerate our pace yet again,” Nadella wrote.
The hiring is likely to bolster Microsoft’s lead position in the booming AI industry, as big tech companies battle for positions to capitalise on the demand for AI services.
Microsoft has teamed up with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, investing billions of dollars into the San Francisco company, and recently partnered with France’s Mistral , a hot AI startup.
Suleyman is the son of a Syrian taxi driver and English nurse and grew up in North London. He dropped out of Oxford University aged 19, before founding the Muslim Youth Hotline, which became one of the biggest counseling services for Muslims in the UK.
His appointment to the top Microsoft position has been welcomed by British Arabs and Syrians worldwide, who have commended him for his journey from relatively humble beginnings to one of the leading positions in the IT industry.
He was named in The New Arab‘s ‘The notable British Arabs making a difference’ list in 2021 .
source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)
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Sulayman is one of the most influential people in the field of AI [Getty]
Taleb, the first Saudi athlete to directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, receives honor from Egyptian sports minister
Saudi Taekwondo Federation named Best Arab Federation in recognition of its achievements both locally and internationally
Saudi taekwondo standout Donia Abu Taleb has been honored with the Best Arab Achievement Award at a ceremony in Cairo celebrating the achievements of Arab athletes.
About 40 athletes from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Tunisia, Jordan, Algeria, Qatar and Morocco were honored, along with businessmen from various Arab countries.
Egypt’s Minister of Youths and Sports, Ashraf Subhi, handed the recognition to Taleb, the first Saudi athlete to directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Saudi Taekwondo Federation was also awarded the Best Arab Federation in recognition of its achievements both locally and internationally, particularly Taleb’s qualification for the Paris Olympics.
Mohammed Al-Shehri, executive director of the federation, accepted the award on behalf of the sports group.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Saudi taekwondo standout Donia Abu Taleb was the first Saudi athlete to directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Supplied)
The 3rd session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan concluded its proceedings today in Doha, with the issuance of the Doha Declaration emphasizing the importance of historical, religious, and cultural relations and ties between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan.
The Doha Declaration, released at the conclusion of the forum, stressed the necessity of enhancing economic cooperation prospects and potential between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan, including vast natural resources and promising investment opportunities in energy, mining, petrochemical industries, tourism, and more.
Participants in the forum highlighted the importance of encouraging the completion and enhancement of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two sides, leveraging vast potential in various economic sectors, and supporting the development of a comprehensive strategic program as a roadmap for the coming decade regarding practical implementation and resource mobilization for the Islamic Infrastructure Initiative.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Commerce, and Economy, as well as delegation heads from participating countries and governments at the forum, recalled the outcomes of the second session of the forum held in Tajikistan in 2017, emphasizing the importance of developing cooperative mechanisms within the forum across all fields to serve the common interests between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan.
They called for a focus on cooperation between the Arab League, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan without duplication of efforts in various forms of cooperation, emphasizing the need to support political consensus solutions to crises facing some countries in the Arab region through encouraging comprehensive dialogue and national reconciliation, rejecting any interference in the internal affairs of states, and committing to respecting their sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity in accordance with the charter and principles of the United Nations and international law.
The Doha Declaration condemned ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, resulting in more than 100,000 martyrs and wounded, mostly women and children, decrying the subjection of the Palestinian people to famine, deadly siege, obstruction of relief aid flow, and the severing of all means of life in Gaza. It also condemned the systematic destruction of residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, churches, and infrastructure in the sector, as well as the detention and torture of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, underlining the hate speech, racism, and incitement adopted by the Israeli occupation government.
Furthermore, the Doha Declaration warned against Israel’s continued implementation of plans for the forcible displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, which would lead to the collapse of peace prospects in the Middle East and exacerbate conflict in the region, urging the Security Council to adopt a binding resolution to halt Israeli aggression and prevent the forced displacement of Palestinians, ensure the flow of relief aid to the entire Gaza Strip, implement provisional measures outlined in the International Court of Justice ruling, and restore life to its normal state in the sector. The forum participants also condemned the systematic Israeli occupation campaigns against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), calling on all countries to support the agency’s efforts. They also condemned the occupation government’s continued settlement plans aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the latest being the occupation government’s approval of building approximately 3,500 new settlement units in the West Bank.
The Doha Declaration affirmed support for joint efforts by Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and restoring life to normal in the Gaza Strip, as well as supporting Algerian and Egyptian efforts to achieve the desired reconciliation among Palestinian factions, commending in this regard Algeria’s role as an Arab member of the United Nations Security Council in supporting the Palestinian cause.
At the conclusion of the third session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Doha Declaration underscored the full solidarity with Lebanon amid the most severe political, economic and social crisis the country has been grappling with in decades, affirming support for the constitutional institutions to safeguard the Lebanese national unity, as well as the security, stability and the territorial integrity of Lebanon.
The declaration condemned the unceasing Israeli offensive on south Lebanon that resulted in the martyrdom of civilians from children, women, elderly, journalists, and paramedics, in addition to targeting the centers of the Lebanese Army and spilling over into the depth of the Lebanese territories, including agricultural lands, during which the internationally banned white phosphorus has been used.
The declaration called for the importance of ramping up international pressure to prevent the declared Israeli plans to launch a large-scale war on Lebanon, force the Israeli entity to end its occupation of Lebanese lands and stop its land, sea, and air violations of the sovereignty of Lebanese lands.
In addition, the declaration called for adherence to the preservation of Syria’s sovereignty, unity and stability and rejecting foreign interference and any illegal military presence on its territory, condemning the attacks unleashed by the Israeli occupation on its territory, stressing the importance of the Arab role in supporting the efforts made to resolve the Syrian crisis.
As to the Libyan issue, the participants affirmed their commitment to the unity and sovereignty of the State of Libya and the integrity of its territories and supporting the path of comprehensive national reconciliation.
Regarding the situation in Yemen, they called for the resumption of political consultations to reach a comprehensive political solution, in accordance with the three terms of reference represented by the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanisms, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The declaration stressed the sovereignty, unity and independence of Sudan and the importance of preserving its national institutions, primarily the Sudanese Armed Forces, underscoring the importance of intensifying the international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stopping the ongoing war that has caused humanitarian catastrophe and forced displacement of millions of residents from their cities and villages.
It also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the League of Arab States, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations so as to build a comprehensive peace process, and to support the initiatives of the co-facilitators of the Jeddah talks and the Sudanese neighboring countries initiative, which aim to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire. Also, the declaration affirmed support for the security, stability, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia and the Somali government in its efforts dedicated to safeguarding its sovereignty on land, sea, and air, noting its right to legitimate defense of its lands.
Regarding the three UAE islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, the Doha Declaration affirmed support for all peaceful efforts, including the initiative and endeavors of the UAE to reach a peaceful solution, in accordance with the principles of international law and the United Nations charter, either through Bilateral negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stressing the need for cooperative relationships between Arab countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran to be based on the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs, respect for the principle of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and resolve disputes by peaceful means, as per principles of the United Nations Charter. international law and refraining from the use or threat of force.
In regard to the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the declaration emphasized the support for the normalization of relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual recognition and respect and preservation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of each other’s borders, noting that accelerating the establishment of relations between the two countries will achieve regional stability and security, paving the way for realizing the full potential of cooperation in the region.
The participants condemned terrorism in its all manifestations and motives, underscoring the importance of counter-terrorism operations, uprooting its roots, and drying up its sources, and rejected linking terrorism to any race, religion, nationality, or civilization. They also emphasized the importance of respecting the rules and principles of international law governing the exploitation of transboundary rivers, so as to not cause profound harm and the principle of prior notification. Also, they affirmed their full support for Egyptian and Sudanese water security, calling on Ethiopia to refrain from any unilateral measures that would potentially cause harm to the interests and rights of 160 million people of the countries downstream of the Nile River.
The Doha Declaration praised the UAE’s membership in the UN Security Council for the period 2022-2023. It also welcomed the election of Algeria as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2024-2025 and expressed its support for naming Bahrain as a non-permanent member in the Security Council for the period 2026-2027, and the Kyrgyzstan as a non-permanent member. Also, they supported the nomination of Tajikistan as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2028-2029, calling for coordination between the Arab members of the Security Council, the countries of Central Asia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan to serve the common interests, in accordance with the Arab League and United Nations charters.
The declaration welcomed Azerbaijan’s presidency of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) for the period from 2024 to 2026, expressing its support for strengthening cooperation between the CICA and the Arab League through implementing joint projects and engaging in relevant events organized by each of them.
The Doha Declaration renewed emphasis on supporting all efforts aimed at nuclear disarmament and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, without prejudice to the inalienable right of states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, calling on all countries who are not signatories to the treaty to quickly join it.
In this regard, the declaration condemned the Israeli entity’s recent blatant and unprecedented threats to annihilate the Palestinian people using nuclear weapons, stressing the need for the Israeli entity to join the NPT and subject all its facilities to Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements. It also affirmed the need for the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
The declaration welcomed the Marrakesh Declaration on the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) issued last January, which urged the need to intensify regional efforts to combat weapons of mass destruction by enhancing the exchange of expertise and best practices among the countries under this initiative.
It also welcomed the initiatives by Central Asia countries within the framework of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ) treaty, calling on the nuclear-weapon states that have not ratified the Protocol to the CANWFZ Treaty to expedite ratification to bring the Protocol into force as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the attendees expressed their desire to enhance cooperation in the field of health care and combat various risks threatening humanity. They renewed their support for Afghanistan to achieve peace and stability, stressing the need to address the challenges facing the Afghan people. They also expressed their deep concern about the indiscriminate use of landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices that threaten peace, security and stability and hinder development efforts.
The declaration stressed the importance of cooperation between Arab League member states, the countries of Central Asia, and Azerbaijan to enhance cybersecurity, including cooperation to prevent the use of infrastructure in countries by groups or individuals against other countries. It welcomed cooperation in implementing programs related to cybersecurity, which contributes to protecting data and praised Saudi Arabia’s launch of the Global Cybersecurity Forum, with the aim of contributing to enhancing cybersecurity at the international level.
The declaration noted the increasing economic cooperation between the Arab League member states, the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, calling for benefiting from the enormous potential of the two sides in various economic fields, stressing the importance of developing cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals and objectives related to water resources and the re-use of water in industrial and oil sectors to reduce the demand for fresh water. It also called for enhancing cooperation in the food security and agriculture sectors and benefit from countries’ experiences in using modern agricultural technologies and smart irrigation programs.
The Doha Declaration called for the importance of confronting the challenge of water scarcity, especially in arid countries, which has increased over recent decades with continued population growth, becoming a global challenge exacerbated by climate change. In this regard, it stressed the importance of cross-border water cooperation based on respect for the rules and principles of international law governing the exploitation of cross-border rivers.
Highlighting the links between water and climate, the Declaration expressed concerns about the accelerating melting of glaciers in the Central Asian region and welcomed the establishment of a trust fund to support activities aimed at preserving glaciers, as well as Tajikistan’s offer to hold an international conference dedicated to glacier conservation next year.
The declaration also called for work to strengthen and develop the land, sea, air and railway transport sectors between the member states of the Arab League, the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan with the aim of increasing ties and facilitating access to each other’s markets, stressing the importance of cooperation within the scope of regional projects that aim to advance regional cooperation and increase interconnection in the field of transportation. It also called for robust cooperation between Arab countries, the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in the fields of tourism, housing, reconstruction and sustainable urban development.
The participants congratulated the UAE on its success in hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) last year, welcoming the election of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the COP29 during the period from Nov. 11 to 22.
They stressed the importance of implementing the triennial Resolution on Sustainable Mountain Development adopted at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which aims to strengthen international cooperation to support sustainable mountain development. In this regard, the attendees welcomed Kyrgyzstan’s intention to host the Second Global Mountain Summit in 2027. They also emphasized the importance of Arab cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in strengthening efforts to stop land degradation, restore degraded lands, increase the ability of the ecosystem and local communities to confront drought, and exchange experiences, research and studies to reduce its negative effects on human life and development.
The Doha Declaration called for facilitating private sector participation in investment and trade activities between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan, and to remove obstacles hindering their operations.
The declaration urged investment promotion institutions, chambers of commerce, business associations, and organizations representing entrepreneurs in those countries to promote all investment activities between the two sides, and to work on developing mechanisms for settling trade and cash transactions between them using national currencies.
Forum participants welcomed the upcoming investment forum between GCC and Central Asian countries in Kyrgyzstan at the end of July, as well as Kazakhstan’s proposal to hold a discussion session on investment and economic cooperation between Central Asia and GCC countries within the framework of the next Astana International Forum.
The declaration encouraged Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan to coordinate positions in international and trade forums and cooperate with other international parties to contribute to decision-making at the international economic level, in a way that serves common interests, enhances trade exchange, promotes investment, and establishes strong and effective partnerships between the two sides.
It emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in environmental preservation and climate change issues, especially within the framework of the green economy, utilizing all types of energy sources, technologies, and solutions, including hydrocarbon emission management technologies, and cooperation in green hydrogen production, which remains an important option for achieving environmental sustainability goals, reducing emissions, and ensuring a greener and safer world for all.
The declaration welcomed cooperation on various topics such as artificial intelligence applications, technological infrastructure development, digital transformation, and their impact on digital economy growth, as well as developing internet networks and interconnections at national and regional levels to reduce the digital divide.
Participants in the forum reiterated the importance of reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO) through a transparent and comprehensive process led by its members, aimed at strengthening the multilateral trading system and consolidating the fundamental principles upon which the organization is based, as the international forum responsible for developing and enforcing multilateral trade rules. They also highlighted the Rabat Declaration issued by the high-level ministerial conference on middle-income countries held in February, calling for a qualitative leap in international cooperation on development for the benefit of middle-income countries.
They called for adopting activities that reflect the role of Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan in promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence, rejecting terrorism and extremism, addressing the root causes thereof, promoting dialogue between civilizations, and committing to the values of justice, peace, human rights. In this regard, they condemned all forms of hate speech and attacks on the beliefs and religious rituals of nations and peoples.
The Doha Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the third session of the Arab-Central Asia and Azerbaijan Economic Cooperation Forum, acknowledged Qatar’s efforts in organizing the forum and the hospitality extended to the participating delegations, which contributed to the success of this session. (QNA)
