In the Name of Allah The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful
Your Excellency, Brother Leader Muamar Al Gaddafi
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset I would like to thank Brother leader Muamar Al Gaddafi for his kind invitation extended to me to attend this important conference which is held under very delicate conditions when the world is reeling under the worst ever financial and economic crisis in its history.
Also, I would like to express my pleasure at meeting the African brother leaders at such a big event, wishing this summit success and realization of aspirations and ambitions of the African people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Arab world and Africa are linked together by strong and solid historical, geographical, political, economic and cultural ties. Half of the Arab world is located and is part of Africa, therefore is linked to it in terms of existence, life, future and destiny.
From this perspective arises our deep interest in the issues and concerns of the African Continent, our commitment to support our brothers in Africa and the African development drive, as well as promoting Arab-African joint action and solidarity.
In confirmation of this the Arab countries adopted a resolution at the 21st Arab Summit in Doha on Arab-African cooperation pointing to the importance of continuing efforts to remove obstacles that hinder the activation and development of cooperation between the two sides to achieve real cooperation and joint benefits based on the intertwined interests in various political, economic, commercial and cultural fields in order to have cooperation that would lay down the foundations protecting Arab-African relations and steer it clear of risks.
You may agree with me that achieving development requires the availability of some conditions and requirements, foremost among which are security, stability, putting an end to wars and armed conflicts, as well as sufficient political will, eradication of corruption, ignorance, diseases, advancing educational and health services, enforcing democratic approach, and respecting human rights. In fact, meeting these requirements would lead to encouraging investment in Africa and increasing aid intended for the continent.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We do highly appreciate and value the African stance supporting just Arab causes in the international forums, which reflects the depth of bonds and ties linking the two sides.
Finally, we hope that all African peoples would attain the aspired standard of living commensurate with the potential abundance of this continent rich in resources, and we have to bear in mind the fact that, he who imports his bread, exports his will power.
May God’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.