Fahmy: Security of Kuwait and Gulf States is an Integral Part of Arab National Security

Arab League Secretary-General Ambassador Nabil Fahmy affirmed that the security of Kuwait and the Gulf Arab states constitutes an integral part of the Arab national security system, emphasizing that the Arab 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 initiatives to support the security and stability of member states.

Fahmy, during a meeting with representatives of local newspapers on the sidelines of his official visit to Kuwait, stated that the repeated attacks on the territories, sovereignty, and interests of Gulf states, including Kuwait, particularly from the Iranian side, reflect the scale of the security and political challenges facing the region. He reaffirmed the Arab League’s readiness to provide various forms of support and political cooperation to help safeguard Kuwaiti interests and enhance regional stability.

He clarified that his visit to Kuwait stems from a deep appreciation of its longstanding Arab positions over decades, recalling Kuwait’s role during the periods preceding and following the country’s liberation. He noted that Kuwait’s Arab identity has remained a steadfast pillar of its foreign policy, independent of the fluctuations of events and regional circumstances.

Fahmy expressed his pride in the warm reception he received during the visit, noting that his meetings with senior Kuwaiti officials were characterized by depth and frankness, encompassing 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, pointing out that he had outlined aspects of his vision for the work of the Secretariat General, which places the protection of Arab interests at the forefront of its priorities.

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 direct joint action, while the Secretariat General assumes a role of initiative, support, and political coordination.

He added, “I am concerned about the Arab situation and uneasy about it,” explaining that the multiplicity of crises and challenges facing Arab states, whether from regional actors or resulting from internal disputes, calls for a serious review of joint action mechanisms.

He stressed that respect for international law must be the foundation upon which Arab states rely to protect their sovereignty and collective security, affirming that reliance on the rule of law, rather than the law of force, represents a strategic necessity for Arab states.

He indicated that he seeks to enhance the Arab League’s capacity to contribute to developing security guarantees for member states, emphasizing that achieving this requires joint efforts and continuous cooperation between Arab governments and the Secretariat General.

Regarding the possibility of establishing an Arab defense alliance similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Fahmy said that the Arab region already possesses mutual defense agreements, but they require development and activation in line with the nature of current challenges.

He clarified that his vision is based on building a comprehensive Arab deterrence system that is not limited to the military aspect, but also includes political deterrence, collective diplomatic action, and economic cooperation.

He confirmed that he would propose ideas and initiatives in this regard for consultation with member states, leading to practical mechanisms that enhance Arab states’ ability to protect their security and preserve their political decision-making independence.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, Fahmi affirmed that it would remain the central and top-priority issue in Arab action, stressing that the continuation of the Israeli occupation, settlement expansion in the West Bank, and developments in the Gaza Strip make reaching a political settlement more difficult.

He stated that efforts made over the past decades have failed to end the occupation or achieve a just and comprehensive solution, considering Israeli intransigence and US security support for Israeli positions as factors that have complicated settlement prospects.

He added that the two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the Palestinian issue, but it has become more difficult compared to five or ten years ago, due to settlement expansion and geographical and demographic changes on the ground.

He reaffirmed Arab states’ commitment to the foundations of the Arab Peace Initiative adopted at the Beirut Summit in 2002, foremost among them ending the occupation and reaching a comprehensive settlement.

He stressed that the Palestinian issue, despite its priority, should not prevent addressing other Arab crises, clarifying that the common denominator among them is the necessity of respecting international law and rejecting violations of sovereignty and territorial occupation.

He pointed out that the Yemeni crisis, which has persisted for decades, reflects a fundamental problem consisting of the absence of sustainable stability for the nation-state, leading to internal divisions, conflicts, and external interventions that have negatively impacted the Yemeni people and the security of neighboring countries.

He explained that he has begun reviewing developments regarding the Yemen file and consulting on it, but has not yet engaged in detailed handling of the issue, noting that he has held contacts with the Yemeni side regarding recent developments.

Regarding the possibility of convening an emergency Arab summit to discuss regional tensions and attacks targeting Gulf states, Fahmi emphasized the importance of Arab meetings at the level of leaders and foreign ministers, as they provide an opportunity for consultation, coordination of positions, and identification of common priorities.

He clarified that the importance of summits is not limited to their convening, but is fundamentally linked to proper preparation and 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 pre-prepared.

He said 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 periodic Arab summits that not only address crises but also look toward the future.

In comparing the European Union experience with the trajectory of joint Arab action, Fahmi saw that one of the most prominent reasons for the European experience’s progress lies in its countries’ ability to build their own capacities, alongside the continuation 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 economy, which has affected their ability to develop their own tools and enhance their decision-making independence.

He pointed out that Arab action has achieved important milestones in historical episodes, including the October 1973 War and the Liberation of Kuwait, which witnessed examples of political and military Arab solidarity and participation.

He affirmed that what is required today is not isolation from the world, but rather achieving a balance between international cooperation and building Arab self-capabilities, thereby enhancing national decision-making independence and limiting the impact of shifts in the policies of major powers.

Fahmi revealed his intention to launch a renewed Arab agenda based on three main pillars: addressing crises, developing the Arab action system, and enhancing economic and social development.

He clarified that the first pillar focuses on addressing existing political and security crises, while the second aims at developing Arab institutions and mechanisms, including the Arab League. The third pillar, meanwhile, concentrates on providing development opportunities and fulfilling the aspirations of new generations.

He pointed out that approximately 65 percent of the Arab world’s population is under the age of 30, which places a doubled responsibility on Arab governments and institutions to provide a better future and economic opportunities commensurate with young people’s ambitions.

He stressed that achieving high economic growth rates and strengthening the self-reliance of Arab states are two fundamental conditions for safeguarding the independence of sovereign decision-making, warning that excessive reliance on external actors in economic, security, or political spheres leads to a narrowing of national decision-making margins.

He stated that since assuming his position, 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 establishment of programs for phased implementation that may span three to five years, depending on the nature of each file.

Fahmi concluded his remarks by affirming that his unanimous election as Secretary-General is 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 joint Arab action, grounded in a commitment to protecting Arab interests and respecting international law.