The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received today, Saturday, at Al-Salam Palace in Baghdad, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and the Assistant Secretary-General, Hossam Zaki. During the meeting, developments in the political, security and economic situation in the Arab arena were discussed, as well as Iraq's relationship with the Arab League and the Arab countries and the mechanisms for developing them. The President stressed that Iraq, based on its pivotal role, seeks to strengthen its relations with neighboring countries and the world based on mutual respect for sovereignty, security, and independent decision-making, in a way that achieves mutual and common interests. Rashid also stressed Iraq's keenness to bring the views of brotherly and friendly countries closer together and adopt constructive dialogue in resolving and addressing crises in a way that consolidates security and peace at the regional and international levels. The President of the Republi c pointed out the need to reach a common vision to end the crises that a number of Arab countries are suffering from, indicating the importance of unifying positions regarding the challenges facing peoples. The President touched on the situation in Palestine, stressing that the people and government of Iraq stand with the Palestinian people to achieve their full legitimate rights recognized by international legitimacy. He urged the international community to make efforts to immediately stop the aggression and increase humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian families, stressing the necessity of diligent work to stop the ongoing escalation, which has had repercussions on the countries of the region in general. The President of the Republic welcomed the Arab delegations participating in the Arab Action Conference, stressing that Iraq is a country for everyone and embraces its brothers in order to embody its message of strengthening and consolidating cooperation. He expressed his wishes for the conference to succeed and come up with recommendations that serve the fundamental issues facing Arab countries in providing job opportunities for young energies and improving the reality of work and workers. In turn, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States expressed his happiness at visiting Baghdad, praising the continuous development Iraq is witnessing in enhancing its security and stability, as well as the improvement of economic and service conditions. He also praised Iraq's important role in developing and consolidating joint Arab action, its efforts to enhance rapprochement between countries, its contributions to supporting the work of the Arab League, and its standing with its Palestinian brothers. Aboul Gheit added that the Arab League supports Iraq's efforts to protect its security and stability in a way that secures the interests of the Iraqi people. Source: National Iraqi News Agency