Syria to chair Arab Group at UN

Ibrahim Olabi, the permanent representative of Syria to the UN, met with Ambassador Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz, the permanent observer of the League of Arab States to the UN. (X / @SyriatoUN)
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Updated 03 February 2026
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Syria to chair Arab Group at UN

  • The bloc consists of 22 Arab League member states, which aim to coordinate votes and unify Arab discourse
  • This is the first time Syria has assumed the presidency of the Arab Group since the change of political power in Damascus in 2024

LONDON: The Syrian Arab Republic took over the presidency of the Arab Group at the UN in New York on Tuesday.

The bloc consists of 22 Arab League states, which aim to coordinate votes and unify Arab discourse on political, humanitarian, and development issues on the UN agenda.

The country’s permanent mission to the UN wrote on X: “Syria is proud to assume the Presidency of the Arab Group at the United Nations in New York.”

Ibrahim Olabi, the permanent representative of Syria to the UN, met with Ambassador Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz, the permanent observer of the League of Arab States to the UN. During the meeting, they discussed the priorities for the Arab Group’s work in the upcoming weeks and explored ways to enhance coordination among Arab states.

This is the first time Syria has assumed the presidency of the Arab Group since the change of political power in Damascus in 2024. Last September, President Ahmad Al-Sharaa delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly, marking his country’s return to international diplomacy after decades of isolation. He is the first president to do so in nearly 60 years.


Jordanian king and British PM condemn Iran’s targeting of Arab countries

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Jordanian king and British PM condemn Iran’s targeting of Arab countries

  • Starmer reaffirms the UK’s support and solidarity with Jordan and the Gulf countries
  • King Abdullah calls on the international community to take effective action to reduce tensions

LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed ways to achieve comprehensive calm in the region during a phone call on Sunday.

King Abdullah denounced the attacks on Jordan and several Arab countries, cautioning about their consequences for the region’s security and stability. He emphasized that recent regional developments require the international community to take effective action to reduce tensions, according to the Petra news agency.

Starmer condemned Iran’s attacks on Jordan and other Arab countries, reaffirming the UK’s support and solidarity with Jordan.

Amid the American and Israeli military actions since Saturday, Iran has launched a barrage of missiles into Israel. It has also targeted US aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and other US bases in the Arab Gulf countries.

Some of the Iranian missiles have struck civilian sites, particularly in Dubai, and have disrupted flights in the region.