Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, affirmed the pan-Arab bloc's position on foundations required for healthy and fruitful relations based on non-interference in the internal affairs and the respect for sovereignties. Aboul Gheit said, in a speech before the Regional Conference to Support Iraq held in Baghdad on Saturday, "The Arab countries have a clear position on the foundations required for healthy and fruitful relations in this region." Aboul Gheit spoke of three fundamental foundations, the first of which is respect for sovereignty and refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of states, as one of the founding principles of modern international relations. He stressed the necessity of erasing the word sectarianism from the dictionary of this region, and that religion remains for God alone, while political relations are run by national states, which enjoy complete sovereignty. He said that the victory over terrorism depends on ending the refugee crisis in the region and fight it in all its aspects and forms, whatever the political party or the flag behind it. He stressed, "This region faces common challenges, and its countries can achieve a lot if they agree on these foundations, which in fact constitute the basis for stable relations between countries in any regional system anywhere in the world." He pointed out that the Arab world has always looked forward, in good faith, to good neighborly relations with all regional parties, and the Arab League had initiatives and attempts in this regard in the past. Aboul Gheit expressed his hope that Iraq's land would be prosperous and stable, its sovereignty protected and its flag raised. He added, "Iraq has waged an honourable war against terrorism since 2014, and raised the banner of civilization in the face of barbarism." Aboul Gheit explained that Iraq fought the battle in defence of the values of civilization and humanity everywhere, and not in Iraq alone. Aboul Gheit indicated, "The regional tension and polarization harmed Iraq, deprived it of benefiting from its capabilities, and for many years plunged it into a cycle of security and political dilemmas, and economic and social challenges." He said that Iraq seeks to build a new relationship with the region on the basis of mutual benefit, respect, and cooperation.
