Asgraf AboArafe
DURING a high-level diplomatic itinerary in Tunisia, Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, engaged in strategic consultations with Tunisian leadership, delivered key statements addressing regional security threats, and participated in future-oriented technological initiatives. The visit opened with an audience with Tunisian President Kais Saied, followed by bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti to implement Arab League ministerial resolutions. Concurrently, the Secretary-General strongly condemned recent Iranian ballistic missile strikes against the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and delivered the opening address at the 2nd Artificial Intelligence Summit in Tunis.
1. Presidential Audience with President Kais Saied of Tunisia
Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy was received by His Excellency President Kais Saied, President of the Republic of Tunisia, at the Carthage Palace.
Key Highlights & Strategic Discussions:
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Joint Arab Action: The meeting focused on mechanisms to strengthen joint Arab action and address pressing political, economic, and security challenges across the region.
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Institutional Support: President Kais Saied reaffirmed Tunisia’s steadfast support for the League of Arab States and its role in promoting Arab solidarity and stability.
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Consultation on Regional Crisis: The two leaders exchanged views on regional security dynamics, emphasizing the necessity of unified Arab positions in navigating current geopolitical tensions and safeguarding national security across member states.
2. Diplomatic Discussions with the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Continuing his diplomatic mission, Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy met with Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Tunis on the evening of Tuesday, September 8.
Key Highlights & Discussions:
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Follow-up on the 166th Session: The bilateral meeting followed up on consultations held after the conclusion of the 166th regular session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level.
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Institutional Coordination: Discussions focused on establishing mechanisms to execute decisions and directions issued by the Council, ensuring continuous coordination between the General Secretariat and the Tunisian presidency of the Ministerial Council.
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Strengthening Arab Action: Fahmy highlighted the importance of sustained consultation to support the Tunisian presidency in fulfilling its mandate and advancing joint Arab priorities.
3. Condemnation of Iranian Missile Attacks and Warning Against Open War
Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy issued a stern statement condemning the ballistic missile strikes launched by Iran against the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, characterizing the attack as a flagrant violation of Jordanian sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a grave threat to regional security and stability.
Key Highlights & Statements:
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Escalation Risk: The Secretary-General warned that Iran’s escalating aggressive posture toward Gulf states and several Arab nations threatens to plunge the entire region into open war, undermining diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation through negotiation.
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Long-Term Consequences: Fahmy stressed that Iran’s reckless behavior and efforts to expand conflict fronts risk entrenching hostilities with neighboring Arab countries for decades to come.
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Indivisible Arab Security: He affirmed that the security and stability of the Arab Gulf states and Jordan constitute an integral part of Arab national security.
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Call to Action: The Secretary-General urged Iran to immediately halt all military escalations, abandon its hostile policies, respect international treaties, and abide by the principles of good neighborliness.
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Full Solidarity: The Arab League renewed its absolute solidarity with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, affirming full support for all measures taken by Jordanian authorities to maintain their national sovereignty and security.
4. Participation in the 2nd Artificial Intelligence Summit in Tunis
On September 9, Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy participated in the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Artificial Intelligence Summit, held in Tunis under the theme “From Vision to Value: Accelerating the Intelligence Society.”
Key Points from the Opening Address:
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Capitalizing on Technology: The Secretary-General highlighted the pivotal role of AI in fostering economic development, bolstering competitiveness, and transforming regional growth.
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Infrastructure & Human Capital: He stressed the imperative of investing in digital infrastructure and human capabilities while proactively addressing challenges related to digital divides, governance, and ethical deployment.
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Translating Strategy into Action: Fahmy reaffirmed the Arab League’s commitment to collaborating with member states alongside regional and international partners to facilitate knowledge sharing and build robust partnerships. He emphasized turning the Arab AI Strategy and the Arab Charter for AI Ethics into actionable tools with tangible outcomes.
