Arab League Secretary-General: Security of Kuwait and the Gulf is an integral part of Arab national security

Osama Diab: Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy affirmed that the security of Kuwait and the Gulf Arab states constitutes an integral part of the Arab national security system. He stressed that the League would not remain silent in the face of any violation of international law that infringes upon the sovereignty or interests of Arab states, and that it would continue its political and diplomatic efforts to support the security and stability of member states.

Speaking during a meeting with representatives of several local media outlets on the sidelines of his official visit to Kuwait, Fahmy stated that attacks on the territories, sovereignty, and interests of Gulf states, including Kuwait—particularly those attributed to the Iranian side—reflect the scale of the security and political challenges facing the region. He emphasized the Arab League’s readiness to provide various forms of support and political cooperation to help protect Kuwaiti interests and enhance regional stability.

He clarified that his visit to Kuwait stems from his appreciation of the country’s longstanding Arab positions over the decades, recalling its role during the stages preceding the liberation of Kuwait and in the aftermath. He expressed his pride in the warm welcome he received, noting that his meetings with senior Kuwaiti officials were characterized by depth and frankness, and included strategic and detailed discussions on current challenges and the future of joint Arab action.

He added that he would return to Cairo carrying Kuwaiti messages and perspectives regarding the coming phase and the role of the Arab League, explaining that he had outlined the features of his vision for the work of the Secretariat General, which places the protection of Arab interests at the forefront of its priorities.

**The Arab Security System**

In response to a question about the guarantees the Arab League could offer to protect the sovereignty of member states, Fahmy clarified that the League and Arab states form an integrated system, in which states are responsible for directing joint action, while the Secretariat General plays a role in initiative, support, and political coordination.

He pointed out that current available guarantees do not take a direct military or security form, but rather rely on activating political and diplomatic mobilization, unifying Arab positions, and confronting any violation of international law that affects Arab interests.

“I am concerned about the Arab situation and uneasy about it,” he said, noting that the multiplicity of crises and challenges facing Arab states, whether caused by regional actors or due to internal disputes, calls for a serious review of the mechanisms of joint Arab action.

He stressed that respect for international law must serve as the foundation for protecting the sovereignty and collective security of Arab states, emphasizing that reliance on the rule of law rather than the law of force represents a strategic necessity for Arab states. He added that he seeks to enhance the Arab League’s capacity to contribute to developing security guarantees for member states, which requires joint efforts and continuous cooperation between Arab governments and the Secretariat General.

**Toward a Comprehensive Arab Deterrence System**

Regarding the possibility of establishing an Arab defense alliance similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Fahmy stated that Arab states already possess mutual defense agreements, but these need to be developed and activated to align with the nature of current challenges.

He explained that his vision is based on building a comprehensive Arab deterrence system that is not limited to the military dimension, but also includes political deterrence, collective diplomatic action, and economic cooperation. He noted that NATO was established in the context of confronting a specific threat, whereas the Arab system should be founded on the principle of confronting any violation of international law that infringes upon the sovereignty or interests of Arab states.

**The Palestinian Issue as an Arab Priority**

With regard to the Palestinian issue, Fahmy affirmed that it will remain the central issue.

He emphasized that the primary priority in Arab efforts is the need to address the ongoing Israeli occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank, as well as the developments in the Gaza Strip, which are making it increasingly difficult to reach a political settlement. He clarified that efforts made over the past decades have failed to end the occupation or achieve a just and comprehensive solution, noting that Israeli intransigence and US security support for Israeli positions have contributed to complicating the prospects for a settlement. He added that the two-state solution remains the only viable option for resolving the Palestinian issue, but it has become more difficult compared to five or ten years ago, due to settlement expansion and geographic and demographic changes on the ground.

He warned that the continuation of Israeli settlement policies threatens the possibility of establishing a geographically contiguous Palestinian state, noting that, in his assessment, Israeli practices aim to undermine Palestinian identity and alter the status quo. He reaffirmed the Arab states’ commitment to the foundations of the Arab Peace Initiative, endorsed by the Beirut Summit in 2002, with the foremost principles being the end of occupation and the achievement of a comprehensive settlement. He stressed that the priority of the Palestinian issue should not preclude addressing other Arab crises, pointing out that the common denominator among them is the necessity of respecting international law and rejecting violations of sovereignty and territorial occupation.

On developments in Yemen and attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Fahmi condemned the targeting of Saudi civilian sites, considering these attacks a violation of sovereignty and unacceptable practices that warrant accountability, whether for those carrying them out or those supporting them. He noted that the protracted Yemeni crisis reflects a fundamental problem: the absence of sustainable stability for the nation-state, which has led to internal divisions and conflicts and external interventions, negatively impacting the Yemeni people and the security of neighboring countries. He clarified that he has begun reviewing developments regarding the Yemen file and consulting on it, though he has not yet addressed the details of its resolution, noting that he has held contacts with the Yemeni side regarding recent developments. He emphasized that the stability of the Yemeni state is a key element of regional security, and that continued fragmentation and conflict open the door to further interventions and exacerbate security and humanitarian challenges.

Regarding the possibility of convening an emergency Arab summit to discuss regional tensions and attacks on Gulf states, Fahmi stressed the importance of Arab meetings at the level of leaders and foreign ministers, as they provide an opportunity for consultation, coordination of positions, and the identification of common priorities. He clarified that the significance of summits is not merely in their convening, but in their proper preparation and the follow-up on the implementation of their decisions, noting that high-level meetings can serve as a starting point for new initiatives or an appropriate occasion to announce decisions that have been prepared in advance. He added that Arab diplomatic contacts continue at various levels, and that he will work to intensify them in light of regional developments, while seeking to organize regular Arab summits that go beyond crisis management to include forward-looking agendas.

Drawing on the European experience, Fahmi observed that one of the most prominent reasons for the progress of the European Union experience lies in its members’ ability to build their own capacities, alongside the continuity of their international partnerships. He explained that Arab states have, at different stages, relied excessively on external parties in the fields of security, politics, and economics, which has affected their ability to develop their own tools and strengthen their decision-making independence. He affirmed that what is required is not isolation from the world, but rather achieving a balance between international cooperation and the building of Arab self-capacity, thereby enhancing national decision-making independence and mitigating the impact of shifts in the policies of major powers.

An Arab agenda with three pillars Fahmi revealed his intention to launch a renewed Arab agenda based on three main pillars: addressing crises, developing the system of joint Arab action, and enhancing economic and social development. He clarified that the first pillar focuses on dealing with existing political and security crises, while the second aims to develop Arab institutions and mechanisms, including the Arab League,

While the third pillar focuses on providing development opportunities and fulfilling the aspirations of new generations. He pointed out that approximately 65% of the Arab world’s population is under the age of 30, which imposes a doubled responsibility on Arab governments and institutions to provide a better future and economic opportunities commensurate with youth ambitions. He stressed that achieving high economic growth rates and strengthening the self-capabilities of Arab states are two essential conditions for safeguarding the independence of sovereign decision-making, warning that excessive reliance on external actors in economic, security, and political fields leads to a narrowing of the scope for national decision-making.

From Condemnation to Practical Initiatives

In response to criticisms that the Arab League confines itself to issuing statements of condemnation and denunciation, Fahmy affirmed that the coming phase requires a shift toward institutional action and practical initiatives, as well as restoring the credibility of the Arab common action system. He clarified that since assuming his post, he has emphasized the need to develop tools for Arab national security and enhance the capacity for collective deterrence, alongside updating political, economic, and developmental operational mechanisms.

He added that he will work on crystallizing the executive details of the new agenda during the period from September to March next year, paving the way for consultations with member states and the formulation of phased implementation programs that could last from three to five years, depending on the nature of each file. He stressed that he is not offering promises of immediate solutions to Arab crises, but rather presenting a vision, objectives, and mechanisms that are adaptable and implementable, emphasizing that the success of Arab action requires initiative, future planning, and the provision of necessary tools for movement.

Fahmy concluded his remarks by affirming that his unanimous election as Secretary-General represents both an honor and a significant responsibility, and that he will work in consultation with member states to enhance the effectiveness of the Arab League and restore confidence in Arab common action, grounded in a commitment to protecting Arab interests and respecting international law.