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Arab -South America countries summit concludes
2009-03-31 |
 Doha, March 31 (QNA) - Arab and South America''s countries leaders concluded here this evening at the Doha Sheraton their Second Summit chaired by H.H. the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani . Qatar''s delegation to the Summit was chaired by H.H. the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. The closing session of the Summit was attended by H.H. Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Missned. Attending the closing session also were a number of their excellencies the sheikhs ministers, guests as well as a number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar. H.H. the Emir and the Chairman of the the Second Arab- South America countries'' Summit delivered a speech at the closing session: Following is an unofficial translation of the text of H.H. the Emir''s Speech: Your Highnesses the leaders, The Arab League Secretary General, Attendees, It gives me pleasure at the end of this Summit to express on behalf of the People of Qatar our thanks and appreciation for your participation in the works of this Summit, which we hope, its results would contribute to achieving the aspirations of the two regions'' peoples as well as deepening joint ties between us. This meeting provided an opportunity to works together and come out with the Doha declaration, which we consider as a step for building a new way in support of enhancement of the strategic relations between the two regions. It also gives me pleasure to welcome the initiative of the friendly Republic of Peru to host the 3rd Arab- South America countries Summit in the City of Lima during the first half of 2011. In the end, I would like to welcome you once again and to express our appreciation for your efforts which contributed to reaching these positive results. (QNA) AK
Arab - South America countries'' Summit concludes, issues Doha Declaration
Article Date: 22:18 2009/03/31
Article ID: 0075
Doha, March 31 (QNA) - The leaders the Arab and South American countries, in their second summit concluded here this evening at Doha Sheraton Hotel, chaired by H.H. the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al -Thani agreed to cooperate in key areas and welcome in the joint meetings of Arab and south American ministers responsible for culture, economy, environment, social affairs, water resources and combating desertification. In the meeting''s final declaration, dubbed "Doha Declaration," they expressed their conviction about the importance of south-south cooperation to promote capacity building and the exchange of expertise in development, innovation and fighting poverty. The Arab and South American leaders affirmed to respect the international law and sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, settle peacefully international conflicts and commit to the full implementation of UN resolutions. They reaffirmed the need to reach a just and durable peace in the Middle East based on the principle of land for peace and relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the withdrawal of Israel from occupied territories in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. They also expressed their support to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to achieve inter-Palestinian reconciliation. On the Iraqi issue, the leaders reaffirmed the need for the unity, sovereignty and independence of Iraq and the right for non-interference in its internal affairs. They strongly condemned the acts of terrorism and violence affecting the Iraqi people. They also expressed deep concern with regard to unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria by the US government and considered that the "Syria Accountability Act" violates the international law and the UIN charter and represent an unjustified burden on the Syrian economy and people. Arab and South American leaders welcomed the initiative led by the Arab League, Qatar, and the African Union to resolve the Darfur crisis and called all Sudanese factions to respond positively to the initiative to ensure its success. They also welcomed the Doha Agreement and expressed support to Lebanese President Michel Suleiman in his efforts to consolidate stability in Lebanon and condemned Israeli violations of UN Resolution 1701. Arab and South American heads of States maintained that regional security in the Middle East requires that the whole region be free of nuclear and Weapons of Mass Destruction and called for urgent measures to establish a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East. They also stressed the importance of fighting drug trafficking, human trafficking and illicit trade of light weapons. They condemned terrorism and rejected linkage between terrorism and specific people or religion, ethnicity or culture. On the cultural cooperation level, the Arab and South American leaders observed with special satisfaction the development of ASPA library in Algeria and thanked the great care given by Algeria for this project. They believe the establishment of this institution will promote the cultures of both regions in the member states. They also noted the steps taken since the Brasilia declaration regarding the South American Research Institute in Morocco. Concerning the dialogue of civilizations leaders, expressed the need to respect diversity of cultures and religions which is part of the common human heritage. They expressed concern over the rise of deliberate negative stereotypes of religions, holy figures and followers. They undertook to foster mutual trust and understanding for a peaceful coexistence among nations and expressed support to the UN Alliance of Civilizations'' initiative and the call of Saudi King for dialogue among the world''s religions. On the economic level, the leaders welcomed the outcome of the Arabic Economic, Development and Social Summit held recently in Kuwait, expressed mutual concern at the international financial crisis and its ramifications, and support to the poor countries affected by this crisis. They reaffirmed the importance of UN conference to carry a debate on the crisis. They called to find necessary tools to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and protect intellectual property of each country. Leaders recognized the risks that could arise of the Doha Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations is not finalized in order to serve the development perspectives that encompass opening of markets. As for the environment preservation, the leaders stressed on the sustainable development, fighting desertification and promoting for ecotourism. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Convention of Biodiversity and UN Convention on Climate Change, to stop trafficking of hazardous chemicals and promote environment research. On the scientific and education level, leaders called for exchange of expertise among scientific and research centers in Arab and South American regions as well as the field of school libraries, pedagogical techniques and extra-curricular activities. On the social level, they expressed their will to promote social policies, cultural integration, and consider that globalization alone has not been able to generate social changes and reduce poverty and hunger. Leaders agreed to activate national strategies to alleviate poverty and attain social justice, confront drug-related crimes. (QNA) AK
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