Baghdad: During its presidency of the Economic and Social Council meeting, Iraq called for the formation of an Arab economic bloc. Director General of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations at the Ministry of Trade and a member of the presidency of the current session of the Arab Development Summit, Riyadh Fakher Al-Hashemi, emphasized the importance of the meeting as a platform for achieving development goals through dialogue and cooperation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Hashemi stated that the current Arab situation necessitates taking definitive action to establish development paths that create job opportunities and promote social justice. He highlighted the need to move beyond traditional methods and focus on strategic projects that foster an integrated economy and collaborative social efforts.

Al-Hashemi further elaborated on the potential impact of an Arab economic bloc, describing it as a historic achievement that could be realized through the investment in human and natural resources. He stressed the importance of developing an agenda that prioritizes the Arab development process and aims for significant outcomes.