Middle East leaders address security and economy at UN General Assembly

During the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, several high-level diplomatic and economic discussions took place involving Middle Eastern leaders.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa outlined his administration’s foreign and security policies at an Atlantic Council dialogue. He emphasized that restoring national rights is a prerequisite for lasting peace with Israel and expressed intentions to reduce foreign military presence and establish a strategic oil corridor with Iraq. Al-Sharaa noted that direct security dialogues with Israel have been ongoing for approximately a year, focusing on troop withdrawals and the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a high-level summit alongside France, the United Kingdom, and Canada regarding the ‘Road Ahead’ and the Comprehensive Peace Plan. He called for the recognition of the State of Palestine, an end to settlement expansion, and the implementation of a plan to unify the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian National Authority.

Separately, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi highlighted the economic resilience of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He noted that the bloc’s economies total approximately $2.4 trillion, with sovereign wealth funds exceeding $5 trillion, positioning the region as a global hub for investment in technology, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.