In a powerful speech at the first Al-Monitor-Semafor Global Summit, King Abdullah II of Jordan emphasized the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue for achieving a “new horizon” in the Middle East. He stated that while normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia could offer hope for the region, the challenge lies with the Israeli government itself.
The king highlighted the misconception that one can simply overlook the Palestinian issue and focus solely on other Arab countries. He stressed that true peace can only be achieved by addressing and resolving the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. He also pointed out the difficulty faced by countries that have signed the Abraham Accords with Israel in taking public actions when there is ongoing violence in the region.
King Abdullah then spoke about the two ”elephants in the room” that need to be addressed. The first is the Palestinian transition and the future of the younger generation of leaders. He emphasized the need to understand where the Palestinians are headed and to connect with their young voices. The second elephant is the direction Israel is taking. He highlighted the importance of determining whether the solution is a one-state or two-state one, emphasizing that different parties may have different visions.
Reflecting on his experience, the king expressed his belief that politics alone cannot bring about effective change. He emphasized the potential of regional projects to create a new horizon in the region. He cited the examples of Iraq and Israel, which have brought interesting opportunities to the table. He also mentioned the importance of calm on the ground and the potential for investment between countries to foster win-win situations.
King Abdullah stressed the significance of Jerusalem as a symbol for humanity and its potential to bring together Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. He encouraged religious figures to lead the way in promoting unity and understanding, rather than leaving it solely to politicians.
In a separate session, Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addressed the issue of the Kurdistan Region. He clarified that there is no political crisis but rather legal and financial problems that have been actively addressed by the Cabinet. He explained that the financing of the KRG from the federal budget relates to the financial difficulties the region has faced, particularly due to the suspension of oil exploitation.
Al-Sudani highlighted the opportunities for American investors in the “new Iraq” that is emerging based on institutions, a diverse economy, and a fight against corruption. He emphasized the importance of American companies investing in the Iraqi energy sector and resolving the ongoing energy crisis between the US, Iraq, and Iran. He also shared Iraq’s vision for natural gas and its plans to become a gas-exporting country in the future.
The Al-Monitor-Semafor Global Summit continues to provide valuable discussions and insights into the pressing issues in the Middle East, showcasing the potential for positive change in the region.
