ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - More than half of the Arab world’s leaders are expected to attend the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad on Saturday, according to a government official.

Baghdad will be home to the 34th Arab League Summit on May 17, where leaders from Arab states will gather and discuss the latest developments in the Arab world. This primarily includes the Israeli war on Gaza, and the new Syrian administration.

Undersecretary of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry for Political Planning Hisham al-Alawi told The New Region that the summit will focus on a new approach to strengthen Arab unity and cooperation.

“The main messages Iraq wants to send were clearly expressed by Prime Minister Mohamed Shia’ al-Sudani,” Alawi said. “They highlight the need for a new Arab path that supports joint action and addresses key issues such as politics, security, the economy, development, education, and culture.”

The official noted that Iraq has been working in recent years to strengthen ties with neighboring countries and help bring an end to wars and conflicts in the region.

He also pointed to ongoing instability in several Arab countries, including Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and Lebanon, as well as the continuing Israeli attacks on Gaza.

“We want to push for a unified Arab position to support our brothers, help rebuild Gaza, and work to stop the violence,” Alawi said. “We also want to launch initiatives for Arab economic cooperation.”

With recent political and security improvements at home, Iraq is now focused on attracting more investment, especially from within the Arab world, according to Alawi.

“Iraq is a young country. More than 60 percent of the population is under 30 years old… We need good education, job skills, and work opportunities. This can only be done by working with our friends and bringing in international experience and investment,” he added.

Alawi hailed the anticipated level of participation in this year’s summit, which he claimed will help in “reaching important decisions” during the event.

“More than half of the Arab world's leaders will be present,” the official noted.

Dozens of high-profile guests from across the Arab world are set to attend the summit in the Iraqi capital, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), Jordan’s King Abdullah II, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, among others.