Arab League Summit Underway with Syria’s Return and Sudan Conflict in Focus, Zelensky to present peace formula

The 32nd Summit of the Arab League is currently taking place in Jeddah, with a primary focus on Syria's reinstatement into the league and the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Arab heads of state and government, including Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad, have gathered to participate in the meeting, aiming to discuss greater unity and integration to address major crises in the region.

The summit coincides with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's active regional diplomacy, mirroring his previous determination in confronting Iran and regional proxies. Recent months have seen Saudi Arabia restore diplomatic ties with Iran, bring an end to the kingdom's long-standing war against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, and play a leading role in advocating for Syria's return to the Arab League, after a 12-year suspension resulting from Assad's brutal crackdown on Arab Spring protests.

While the leaders from the 22-member league gather in Jeddah, attention is expected to shift to the conflict in Sudan. The country has been torn apart by a power struggle between its top generals, both of whom have received support from Saudi Arabia and other Arab states. This internal strife has persisted for over a month, resulting in numerous casualties and triggering a mass exodus from the capital, Khartoum, and other regions. 

However, a week ago, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the leader of the armed forces, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the paramilitary Rapid



Support Forces reached an agreement in Jeddah. The pact promises safe passage for civilians fleeing the violence and protection for humanitarian aid groups. Internationally, Saudi Arabia and the United States have taken the lead in efforts to broker a lasting truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also  arrived in Saudi Arabia to attend an Arab League summit in the coastal city of Jeddah. This visit marks his first trip to the Middle East and Asia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Taking to social media, Zelenskyy stated, "Arrived in Saudi Arabia. 

I will speak at the Arab League summit. I will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and hold other bilateral talks." During his visit, Zelenskyy intends to prioritize the presentation of Ukraine's peace formula, with the goal of involving as many states as possible in its implementation.

It is noteworthy that the Arab League suspended Syria's membership in November 2011 following al-Assad's brutal crackdown on protests, which ultimately led to a devastating conflict claiming the lives of over 500,000 people and displacing millions. 

The Arab League, founded 78 years ago, originally comprised countries denominated by Arabic-speaking populations, including Egypt and Syria. Over time, it expanded to its current membership of 22 countries, with its headquarters situated in Cairo.