The Arab Economic and Social Council held its 116th ordinary session at the ministerial level on Wednesday at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo, with Morocco taking part. The meeting focused on several key socio-economic proposals, including the creation of the Arab Medicines Agency Waad, a council of Arab ministers for artificial intelligence (AI), a council of Arab trade ministers, the Arab Council for Customs Affairs, and an Arab Center for AI. The agenda also included the Secretary-General's report, a review of the implementation of resolutions from the council's 115th session, and preparations for the economic and social dossier of the 35th Arab League Summit, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. Participants further discussed the Arab free trade zone, progress on the Arab Customs Union, and investment opportunities across Arab countries. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit welcomed the initiatives to establish new ministerial councils and enhance the performance of specialized Arab organizations, stressing that the current circumstances call for stronger mechanisms of joint action. He underlined the need for flexibility in both planning and implementation to meet the council's objectives, in line with the Charter of the League of Arab States as the foundation for effective Arab cooperation.
