JEDDAH: They have been applying the finishing touches in Jeddah to ensure the high-level delegations invited to the upcoming Arab League summit on Friday receive the warmest of welcomes.
The flags of all countries attending can be seen across the city and even more tress have been planted as part of Saudi Arabia’s green drive.
One of the most notable views at this year’s summit is that of the Syrian national flag fluttering among the flags of other countries.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (R) and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the Arab Foreign Ministers Preparatory Meeting ahead of the 32nd Arab League Summit in Jeddah on May 17, 2023. (SPA)
Abdulrahman Rammal, a Saudi journalist, said: “It’s so amazing to see the Syrian flag on the streets of Jeddah as it represents a good change and, hopefully, the summit re-establishes the relationship between the Kingdom and Syria.”
Although Rammal does not support the Syrian regime, he said he believed that the country’s public, through renewed ties, might improve their living conditions and be reunited with relatives.
Rima Ibrahim, a Syrian living in Jeddah, said: “Witnessing the Syrian flag and its participation in the summit is great. As a Syrian living in Saudi Arabia, re-establishing the relationships between both countries means that we can visit the Syrian Embassy and renew our passports easily, which was not the case during the crisis. Besides, now I can visit my family in Syria and go to my country through direct flights.”
Jordanian citizens are also excited to see their country’s presence at the summit and its work to end the crisis in Syria and bring Damascus back into the Arab fold.
Jeddah is under high security alert, ensuring the safety of high-level delegations and the smooth conduct of traffic from highways to the summit.
Arab League foreign ministers attend a preparatory meeting in Jeddah on May 17, 2023 ahead of the 32nd Arab League Summit. (SPA)
Hotels and roundabouts have also been decorated with Arab flags for Friday’s event. The Ritz Carlton has taken special measures as part of its preparations. With the hotel fully booked out for the summit, guests can expect a luxury experience.
Through the summit, Saudi Arabia hopes to reinvigorate Arab ties and improve communication between countries. Important foreign policy topics are set to be at the center of discussion on Friday.
