Baghdad: Iraqi newspapers issued on Tuesday highlighted the participation of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit and his extensive meetings with several leaders and officials on the sidelines of the conference. According to National Iraqi News Agency, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, Al-Sudani held a series of meetings on Monday with a number of kings, presidents, and prime ministers, in addition to international officials, during the summit hosted in Egypt to discuss developments in Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister's Media Office stated that Al-Sudani met with the Kings of Jordan and Bahrain, as well as the Presidents of Palestine, Azerbaijan, and Cyprus, the German Chancellor, and the Prime Ministers of United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Armenia. He also met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. During the meetings, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in various fields to serve the common interests of friendly and brotherly nations. The talks also addressed the urgent need to end the suffering of the Palestinian people, maintain the ceasefire, and mobilize international efforts for Gaza's reconstruction and humanitarian relief. Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of directing international efforts toward reducing regional and global tensions, reinforcing dialogue based on international law, and addressing disputes, including those between Iran and Western countries over the nuclear file and other issues. In a related context, Al-Sudani met with French President Emmanuel Macron, where both leaders underscored the need to sustain the Gaza ceasefire and support regional stability. The meeting also discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties and preparations for the upcoming Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership. Macron affirmed that several French companies specializing in energy, infrastructure, defense, and wat er will participate in the conference to strengthen joint interests. He also highlighted France's commitment to supporting Gaza's reconstruction efforts and boosting humanitarian aid for civilians in the region. Al-Sabah Newspaper focused on the outcomes of the summit, which concluded on Monday with the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza Strip. Iraq emphasized the need for major powers, as well as Arab and international organizations, to shoulder their responsibilities in rebuilding Gaza and providing urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The agreement document, signed by the leaders of United States, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, includes key provisions such as a permanent ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the formation of a transitional Palestinian administration to manage the affairs of the enclave. On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani held further talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on hosting a Gaza reconstr uction conference led by France. Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, strengthening regional peace and stability, and supporting humanitarian efforts to deliver urgent assistance to civilians. Al-Sudani also held a series of meetings with kings, presidents, and prime ministers, in addition to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Discussions focused on mobilizing international efforts to reduce tensions in the region and globally, and on promoting dialogue based on international law to address disputes, including those between Iran and Western countries over the nuclear file and other sensitive issues. Observers noted that Iraq's participation in the summit underscores its pivotal role in shaping regional decisions and its growing influence on the international stage. The summit was held in Sharm El-Sheikh under the joint chairmanship of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and U.S. P resident Donald Trump, with the participation of more than 31 leaders and representatives of regional and international organizations, as part of global efforts to achieve peace in Gaza. In a related development, the Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office announced on Monday the arrival of the first bus, out of 38, carrying released prisoners to Gaza. The office's media director stated that the prisoner exchange deal will include the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including several who have spent decades in Israeli prisons. Al-Zaman Newspaper reported that the international summit on Gaza kicked off in Sharm El-Sheikh amid tense atmospheres and intersecting political interests. The Iraqi position drew notable attention after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani firmly opposed the participation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that Baghdad would not be part of any forum that included representatives of the occupation. A source revealed Monday that 'Al-Sudani inform ed both the Egyptian and American sides that Iraq would withdraw from the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit if Netanyahu participated.' The source added that no official invitation had been extended by Egypt to Netanyahu. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump had attempted to secure Netanyahu's attendance through diplomatic contacts, but these efforts failed due to positions similar to Iraq's taken by other participating countries. According to the source, 'Iraq's stance goes beyond a mere diplomatic objection - it demonstrates the independence of the Iraqi decision and its growing influence on the regional stage.' During his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Al-Sudani reaffirmed the importance of sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza Strip. A statement noted that the two leaders met on the sidelines of the summit to discuss bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including preparations for the upcoming Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership. For his part, Ma cron emphasized that several French companies specializing in energy, infrastructure, defense, and water would participate in the Baghdad conference, reflecting the mutual interests of both countries. He also highlighted the planned reconstruction conference for Gaza under French leadership, stressing the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, enhancing regional stability, and supporting urgent humanitarian efforts. Al-Sudani arrived in Egypt on Monday to participate in the summit. According to Farhad Alaaldin, the Prime Minister's foreign affairs advisor, Iraq was invited by both United States and Egypt to attend the summit, in its capacity as the current chair of the Arab League and a key player in Arab strategic affairs. Alaaldin stated that 'Iraq's position has been clear from the outset - it has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of displaced residents to their homes, and support for all efforts aimed at ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.' He added that 'Th e Middle East is in urgent need of a new phase of stability and prosperity after many years of wars and crises,' affirming that Iraq would continue its diplomatic efforts, in coordination with Arab states and the international community, to strengthen security and peace in the region.