Emir attends Arab economic summit

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani attending the opening session of the third Arab Economic and Social Development Summit  at King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh yesterday. The session was also attended by HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani and members of the official delegation accompanying the Emir. Arab leaders, taking part in the two-day summit, called for the strengthening of mutual trade and co-operation in order to face challenges brought on by the Arab Spring uprisings. “We should achieve an Arab common market,” said Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, urging Arab nations to “catch up” in the realm of free trade. Speaking on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, who is also the deputy premier and minister of defence , highlighted economic and social challenges facing the region and also pointed to weak inter-Arab trade.