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Second Summit of Arab-South American Countries

Doha - State of Qatar, March 31st, 2009

SUMMIT MEETING GUIDE

H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-ThaniEmir of the State of Qatar

H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-ThaniHeir Apparent

INTRODUCTION

We are all honored to welcome their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies leaders of Arab and South American Countries and members of delegations participating in the Second Summit of Arab-South-American Countries.

We hope that the Summit will gather all Arab and South America leaders and the resolutions promulgated will reflect the will of the Arab and South Americans and their aspiration to enhance cooperation at the political,economic, social and cultural domains. We all look forward to this year to contribute to resolving all Arab and international issues which will enhance our status as an effective pivot locally and in the international community.

The government of Qatar has dedicated all its administrative, technical and organizational capabilities to make this meeting successful and offer facilities to the official delegates and media men. The National Committeefor Organizing the Second Summit in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Arab League will put all supplies, equipment and administrative, technical and media capabilities at the delegates’ service to facilitate their works so that the meeting will come out in the required level and in the shape that honors Arab nations and their South American counterparts.

The National Committee will form several important committees like security, protocol , technical and media committees. These committees will be responsible for receiving the delegates, their accommodation, transportation, security, safety and providing them with all the necessary facilities.

On the occasion of the Second Summit, the State of Qatar hopes that new initiatives will be presented to enhance cooperation between Arab and South American countries and that the Summit will realize its objectives of joint work and elevate its level and support it so that it will realize its pursued objectives which were stated in the First Summit held in Brazil in 2005.

As we wish you a successful Summit, we hope that your stay in Doha will be happy and comfortable.

“The Organizer”

1 - Introduction

General Information about the State of Qatar 11

2 - An Overview of the First Summit of Arab-South American Countries

2/1 - The First Summit of South American - Arab Countries 30

2/2 - Declaration of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of ASPA 38

2/3 - Fifth Meeting of High Officials in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Arab and South American Countries 49

3 - The National Organizing Committee of the Second Summit of Arab - South American Countries

3/1 - General Information on Preparations. 73

3/2 - Agenda of the Second Summit of Arab-South American Countries. 76

4 - Protocol and Ceremonies

4/1 - Accommodation and Hotels 81

4/2 - Transportation 82

4/3 - Escorts and Liaison Officers 83

5 - Security

5/1 - General Information 89

5/2 - Cortèges and Protection 89

5/3 - Security of the Summit Meeting and Hotels 91

5/4 - Accreditation and Badges 92

Table of Contents

6 - Media & Press

6/1 - Media Centre 99

6/2 - Registration of Journalists 99

6/3 - TV Broadcasting, Communication and General Newsrooms 100

7 - Medical Services

7/1 - Emergency Arrangements 105

7/2 - Medical and First Aid Services 105

8 - Computer and Information Services

9 - Charts of Summit Venue and Annexes

9/1 - Layout of the Summit Venue Dafna Hall 113

9/2 - Layout of the Summit Venue Salwa Hall 114

9/3 - Layout of the Summit Venue Salwa Hall 115

9/4 - Layout of the Summit Venue Al Maha Hall 117

Arab-South American Countries Summit 11

1- Information about the State of Qatar

Madinat Al Shamal

Ras Laffan

Al-Khor

Doha

Al Wakrah

Umm Said

Ras Dukhan

Al Zubara

Abu Samra

Umm Bab

Doo

k

Bahrain

Arab-South American Countries Summit12

Location:

Qatar is a peninsula located midway along the

western coast of the Arabian Gulf, between latitudes

(24.27º and 26.10º) North, and the longitudes (50.45º

and 51.40º) East. It is a peninsula extends towards the

north into the Gulf waters covering 11, 521 square

kilometers.

Topography:

Qatar generally consists of flat rocky surfaces. It does,

however, include some hills and sand dunes which

reach an altitude of 40 m above sea level in (Dukhan)

in the western part of the country.

Qatar is characterized by a number of geographical

features which are peculiar to the western side of

the Arabian Gulf. These include rainwater-draining

basins found mainly in the north and central areas

of the country. These two areas are considered the

most fertile parts, where natural plants are found in

abundance.

Climate:

Qatar has a moderate desert climate with long hot summer, with temperature ranging between

(30º to 50º) centigrade, during summer season. It has a warm winter with temperature ranging

between (8º to 22º) centigrade. It receives little rain in winter with an average rainfall not exceeding

(75.2) mm in a year..


Population:

The present inhabitants of Qatar are descendants of the

ancient Arab tribes which migrated from far parts of Arabian

Peninsula, in different eras starting from the seventh century

up to the nineteenth century.

Census:

The population of Qatar is approximately (1.5) million

inhabitants with an annual average increase rate of 10%. 83%

of the population lives in the capital Doha, its suburbs and in

the industrial areas.

Religion & the Official Language:

Islam is the official religion of the country.

Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely

spoken.

National flag:

The national flag is maroon colour with a broad vertical white

stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a nine-

point serrated line on the maroon colour side.


The National Anthem:

The anthem has the following meaning:

Swearing by Allah Who upraised the sky,

Swearing by Allah Who spread the light,

Qatar will always remain free,

Elevated by the spirits of the loyal,

Follow the path of the ancestors,

And the prophet’s guidance.

In my heart, Qatar is an epic of dignity and glory,

Qatar is the land of the forefathers,

Our protectors at the time of war,

Doves at the time of peace,

And hawks at the time of sacrifice.

The Ruling Family:

The Al Thani family drew their name after the chief of their tribe, Thani Bin Mohamed who ruled the country. They are a branch of Beni Tamim tribe, who trace back to their ancestor Mudhar Bin Nizar. Their history traces back to the arrival of Al Thani tribe to Qatar from (Al Eshaiqar) town in Al Washem region, in the Eighteenth century. They then settled at Al-Rewais Oasis, and then shifted to Zubara. Toward the mid of the Nineteenth century they settled in Doha under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Thani. The succession of rule in Qatar is a hereditary within Al Thani family.


Rulers of Qatar from among Al-Thani family:

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Thani (1850 - 1878).

Mohammad Al Thani (1878 - 1913).

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani (1913 -1940).

Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani (1940 -1948).

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani ( 1948 – 1949)*.

Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al Thani (1949 - 1960).

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Ali Al Thani (1960- 1972) .

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani (1972 - 1995).

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani The Present Emir ( 1995 up to now).

≠ Note : Despite of his abdication of the throne to his son Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah in 1940, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani, returned to power in 1948, after the death of his son Sheikh Hamad, and remained in power till his death in 1949.

Brief Profile of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani:

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power on June 27th, 1995, after securing the consent and allegiance of the ruling family, Al Thani and the rest of the Qatari citizens.

His Highness was born in Doha in 1952. He began his education in Qatar and attended the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, from where he was graduated in 1971. He then commissioned and promoted to military ranks and posts till he was gradated the title of Major General, and later appointed Commander in Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces.


His Highness is known for his dedication to national work, as he is known for his independent personality, broad mindedness and for his resort to counseling, in line with his hard strives to develop the Qatari society. He was greatly concerned with youth and wear activities. Hence, Doha hosted the Asian Olympic Games.

His Highness covered with his care and patronage all fields of public work. He took wide strides indeveloping education, industry, infra structure, gas production, petrochemicals, as he supported laying the foundations of industry and the national economy.

His Highness patronized number of international conferences, such International Economic Conference, Doha Islamic Summit, 77-Plus China Summit Conference, The International Conference on New or Restored Democracies.

The State of Qatar has projected a distinguished presence in the international arena, during His Highness’s era. After bolstering bonds of fraternity with the GCC member states and with Arab countries, Qatar has stepped forward towards strengthening its friendly links with different foreign countries, through reciprocal consultations and by participating in addressing in issues of concern for international and regional cooperation and peace movement, particularly among the Non-Aligned Group. It chaired the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Group of 77 –plus- China. Qatar became a member of the UN, non permanent member of the Security Council, member of the UN Human Rights Council and of Economic and Social Council. Currently Qatar chairs the 6th International Conference on New or Restored Democracies.

The foreign policy under the stewardship of His Highness is distinguished with flexibility, balance anddynamics. It established effective and positive relation with other countries. Qatar contributed directly to solution of political crisis of Lebanon and supported peace in the Middle East and stability and security in the region, particularly in the Gulf. Qatar widely participated in humanitarian operations and in peacekeeping forces.

His Highness was awarded numerous medals and Legion of Honor from number of Arab, Islamic and foreign countries, in recognition to his unique efforts in bolstering bilateral relations and in promoting fields of cooperation with these countries.


Major Cities:

Doha

Doha, capital of Qatar, the seat of government and the main commercial and financial institutions, is situated midwayalong the east coast of the Qatar peninsula. Doha is a cultural center and has a large commercial seaport and an international airport, which link the country with the rest of the world. Over one million of Qatar's populations live in Doha. Doha is adorned with numerous public parks, grand and magnificent hotels, commercial complexes and with themost landmarks of modernization.

Messaied

Messaied, the major industrial city in the county, whose existence has been associated with the discovery of oil, lies approximately 45 km south of Doha on the south east coast of Qatar. It has the main port for exporting oil, in addition to a commercial port. The city accommodates many large industries such as NODCO's Oil Refinery, QAFCO's FertilizerComplex, QAPCO's Petrochemical Complex, QGPC's NGL Plant, and QASCO’s Steel Mill. The Sea line Beach Resort of Messaied with its sand dunes is one of the beautiful tourist places in Qatar.

Ras Laffan

Ras Laffan is the second largest industrial center in the country and one of the world’s biggest industrial cities. It is located 80 km to the north of Doha, in an area of 160 square kilometers. Ras Laffan is the largest exporting oil port in the Gulf. It has the natural gas liquefaction. Its marine part accommodates one of the world largest reserves.


Al-Khor

It lays 57 km north of Doha. Al Khor has a harbor for fishing and other small boats. The city is famous of shores,old mosques and architectural towers. Besides, the city has a regional museum which hosts the historical and architectural antiquities.

Al-Wakrah

This booming town is located half way between Doha and Messaied, about 15 km south of Doha. It contains several traditional houses and mosques which reflect thetraditional architecture. Its local museum includes antique and environmental artifacts. Al-Wakrah has also a harbor for fishing boats.

Dukhan

Dukhan is situated at 84 km from Doha, on the west coast of the State of Qatar. It has drawn much concern since the discovery of oil in the surrounding oilfields. It isdistinguished with its beautiful beach which citizens and visitors of Qatar head for.

Madinat Ash-Shamal

It is a modern town built to be an administrative center for a number of coastal villages in the northern part of the country. It is 107 km away from Doha.

Al-Zubarah

Al-Zubara is one of the most important archaeological towns. It is located about 105 km to the north of Doha; it is famous of its historical Al-Zubara fort.


Qatar Throughout of History:

Ancient Ages

Archeological excavations, engravings, flintspearheads, group of fine pottery works, which werediscovered in different parts of Qatar by archaeological expeditions from Denmark in 1956, Britain in 1972, and France in 1976, proved that human habitation in Qatar peninsula is traced back to 4000 BC. Different people lived in Qatar throughout of its ancient history and they left their legacies and heritages.

Around two hundred sites of prehistoric archaeological evidences were discovered during the eight years of excavations carried out in Qatar by the Danish Archaeological expedition from 1956 to 1965.

Several sites of different periods in the Stone Age were discovered east of (Um Babb); other sites were discovered in difference parts towards the southernmost border of Qatar near (Sudanthail); also an important large site for manufacture of flint works was found in (Um Taqah) south east of (Dukhan),which could be traced to the Mesolithic Middle Stone Age. Towards the south west of Messaied a number of new sites were discovered. The archaeological excavations proved that the Ubaidi civilization, which was prevalent in southern of Iraq and the northern region of the Arabian Gulf, had also extended to Qatar peninsula.

In the 5th century B.C., the Greek historian Herodotus mentioned that the Canaanite Tribes, a people known for their trade and navigation skills, were the first people to live in Qatar. Furthermore, Ptolemy, theGreek geographer, made a reference to “the name of Qatar” in his map the so-called the Arab countries as believed, to point out to the Qatari town of Al-Zubarah, which was one of the most important commercial ports in the Gulf region at that time.


Qatar in the Islamic History

In the middle of the 7th century A.D., the lands of Qatar and the surrounding areas were under the rule of Al-Manazirah Arabs. Their king, Al-Munzir Ibn Sawi Al-Tamimi, embraced Islam. Thus, Qatar has become a part of the Islamic civilization and witnessed various Islamic eras and phases.

The presence of Qatar in the Arabic and Islamic literature was very prominent, since poets expressed their admiration of Qatar, its highbred camels, and woven cloth and garments to

the extent that, according to some sources, Allah’s Messenger Mohamed (May Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him) wore a Qatari garment, and ‘Aysha, wife of the Prophet (the Mother of the Faithful- may Allah be pleased with her) wore a gown made of Qatari textile. It was also reported that the third Caliph, ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) had a Qatari loincloth.

Furthermore, it is reported in the Arab Islamic History that the Qatari people were very proficient innavigation skills, so they took part in the preparation of the first navy which was assembled to transportthe Islamic army for jihad under the leadership of Abu Al-Alaa Al-Hadrami.

The Arab historians and travelers honored the fame and outstanding bravery of the Qatari poet and horseman: Qatari Ibn Al-Fujaah. In his book Mu’jam Al-Buldan’ i. e. (The Dictionary of Countries) Yaqut Al-Hamawi, a well known Arabian geographer, mentioned Qatar for its fine striped woven cloaks, knownat that time as Qatari cloaks, and stated the Qataris’ remarkable skill in the manufacture and fine finishingof spears, which were known as ‘Al-Khattiyah’ i. e. linear spears.

Under the Abbasid State during the 8th century A.H. (14th century A.D.), Qatar witnessed a great economic boom, which enabled it to financially support the Caliphate Centre in Baghdad. The evidence of suchsupport can be gleaned from the inscriptions of Merweb fort, situated on the western coast of the Qatar peninsula, since this fort carries the distinguishing features of the Abbasid architectural style.


During the 10th century A.H. (16th century A.D.), the Qataris allied with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese; consequently, Qatar, like all Arab countries in 1871, came under the Turkish rule for four successive centuries. Ottoman sovereignty, however, was only nominal since the real authority was in the hands of the Sheikhs and princes of local Arab tribes.

In 1893, the Turkish attacked the headquarters of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohamed, but he defeated them in Al-Wajbah Battle. Subsequently, they retreated to Doha fort.

Qatar in the 20th Century

Qatar continued to maintain its ties with the State of the Islamic Caliphate during the early years of the 20th century and recognized its nominal sovereignty even though the Ottoman influence in the Gulf regionand the Arabian Peninsula was on the wane. In those circumstances, Qatar did not commit itself to any protection pacts other than the 1868 treaty, which Sheikh Mohamed Bin Thani had signed with Britain.

On the other hand, Britain was able to conclude an agreement with Qatar in 1916 which was finallyapproved on March 23rd, 1918 after Sheikh Abdulla Bin Jassim had ratified the original and the translatedversions of the treaty.

Thus, Britain moved to the de fact presence stage in Qatar after the approval of the amended treaty in 1935, since the amended version secured the nullification of the “frozen articles” in the old treaty concerning the


British political representation in Qatar, provided the establishment of an office for postal and telegraphicservices and the establishment of airports and other facilities, notwithstanding that no British political representative had come to Doha before 1949.

Oil drilling operations took around 14 years (1935 - 1949), and though oil started to flow from Dukhan

field at the end of 1939, operations ceased for 4 years (1942-1946) because of the broke out of the Second

World War and its repercussions. In 1949, oil started to flow in commercial amounts. So, in December of

the same year, the first ship left the shores of Qatar bearing a consignment of Qatari crude oil to world

markets.

Before oil exploration operations and exporting it in commercial amounts, a 10-year- period of hardship,

which was marked by food shortage, sharp increase in the price of commodities and sharp fall in revenues

from pearling industry, hit the country between 1939 and 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Although Qatar did not yet obtain its independence, it spared no effort since the 1960s to engage in some

international activities by joining some technical UN organizations, such as the UNESCO and the WHO. It

also participated in the conferences of Oil Producing Countries and the 14th session of the League of Arab

Countries’ cultural committee, which was held in Cairo on the January 21st, 1961.

After Britain had decided to completely withdraw from the region in 1968, a Decree by Law No (11) of

1969 was issued to establish a department for foreign affairs, which then became the nucleus of the present

Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Health Services:

The country is covered with an umbrella of free health care for all citizens and for a nominal cost paid by

the expatriates.

The structural body of health services setup offers integral and comprehensive services that include

preventive care, treatment, rehabilitation and general administration. Health services apparatus is formed

of a chain of integral circles of primary health care centers and general hospitals.


Hamad Medical Corporation:

The corporation comprises four hospitals of high level of specialization. These hospitals are: Hamad General Hospital, Women & Maternity Hospital, Al-Rumailah General Hospital and Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, along with 21 centers for primary health care in different parts of the country.

There are around 23 private polyclinics and 171 private clinics in Qatar that cater for different medical services, along with a multi specializations hospital.

National Occasions:

- The National Day: falls on December 18th, annually.

- The birth day of late Sheikh Mohamed Bin Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar

- H. H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, assumed power of rule in the State of Qatar on June 27th, 1995.

- Eid Al Fiter (Lesser Bairam) falls on Shawal 1st, the tenth month of Hijra (A.H) each year. Its festivities are for four days.

- Eid Al- Adhaha (Greater Bairam) falls on Zul Al Haja 10th, the 12th month of Hirja (A.H.) annually. Its festivals continue for 5 days.

Local Time:

3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time.

Electric Current:

240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz.


Points of Entry to Qatar:

Land : Through the main border point with K.S.A. at Abu Samra.

Air : Via Doha International Airport, Doha City.

Sea: Through the ports of Doha and Umm Saeeied. Customs are to be charged for some goods by “Customs Department” at the points of entry, with exception of goods imported from the GCC member states.

Currency:

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 Qatari dirhams. It is issued byQatar Central Bank.

Denominations of QR include: one riyal, 5 riyals, 10 riyals, 50 riyals, 100 riyals, and 500 riyals. There are coins of 25 dirham and 50 dirham.

The Exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of US $ = 3.65 QR.

There are no restrictions on money transfer or exchange in Qatar, whether in banks or exchange centers in addition to Doha International airport.

Entry Regulations to Qatar:

All entrants to Qatar must be in prior possession of a valid visa. The Organizing Committee of the Summit shall make the entry visas available via Qatari Embassies, E-government site: http://www. E-Gov.qa, or upon arrival at Doha Airport, or Qatar Airways. Thus, the participating delegations are kindly requested to fill in the attached forms and toenclose passport photograph of the participants.

For more information, please visit the following web site of the Ministry of Interior: <<www.moi.gov.qa>>


Heads of South America Countries Diplomatic Missions in Doha

No Name Country Fax Telephone

1 HE Victor Manuel Bizani El-Salvador 4110962 4110195

2 HE Hugo Juliani Kuri Dominican 4113267 4113868

3 HE Anwar Nahhas Brazil 4838087 4838812/227

4 HE Juan Andrez Basiko Uruguay 4355677 3215754

5 HE Robert Norika Morino Venezuela 4932729/34 4932734

2. An Overview of the First Summit of Arab-South American Countries

(Brazilia 2005)


South America

South America is the southern continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the western hemisphere and mostly in the southern hemisphere with a relatively small portion in the northern hemisphere. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North Americaand the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest.

South America was named in 1570 by cartographers Martin Waldseemuller and Matthias Ringmann after Amerigo Vespucci who was the first European to suggest that the Americas were not the East Indies but anew world unknown to the Europeans.

South American has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 sq miles) or almost 3.5% of the Earth’s surface. As of 2005, its population was estimated at more than 371,090,000. South America ranks fourth in area (after Asia, Africa and North America) and fifth in population (after Asia, Africa, Europeand North America)

South America countries:

Federative Republic of BrazilRepublic of GuyanaRepublic of ArgentineRepublic of ParaguayRepublic of PeruBolivarian Republic of VenezuelaRepublic of ChileRepublic of UruguayRepublic of ColombiaRepublic of SurinamRepublic of EcuadorRepublic of Bolivia


1 – THE FIRST SUMMIT OF SOUTH AMERICAN-ARAB COUNTRIES 1.1 - Background information

In the first half of 2003, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched in Brasília the idea of a meetingbetween Arab and South American countries. Next, during 2003 and the beginning of 2004, Minister of External Relations Celso Amorim and other high Brazilian envoys visited several countries in the Arab World and South America to convey to their respective Heads of State the formal invitation from the Brazilian Government to take part in the event. President Lula himself reiterated the invitation during his visits to Syria, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and Libya, in December 2003. The idea was generally well received, with manifestations of support and interest.

1. 2 - Preparations

The preparatory process for the Summit involved activities with a diversity of character and objectives. Starting in 2004, several intergovernmental meetings in different formats and with different aims were held:

- Informative meetings with the Embassies of participating countries in Brasília;

- Coordination meetings with South American countries (Buenos Aires, September 2004, Brasília, November 2004, Rio de Janeiro, March 2005), to search for agreement on the text of the declaration to be adopted at the Summit;

- Meetings of Foreign Ministers (Cairo, May 2004, New York, September 2004 and December 2004; Cairo, October 2004 and February 2005, and Marrakech, March 2005), to negotiate the language of the paragraphs of the Declaration to be adopted by the Heads of State during the Summit.


Three seminars were also organized during the preparations for the Summit:

- The first one, on September 14 and 15 2004, in São Paulo, on “Dialogue South America-ArabCountries”, when characteristic features of Arab culture and identity were discussed. Scholars and intellectuals of both regions participated in it. Information on the subjects and a list of participants in this seminar are available at the site of HYPERLINK “http://www.mre.gov.br/portugues/ministerio/sitios_secretaria/ipri/seminarios.asp” \t “_blank” Instituto de Pesquisas de Relações Internacionais (IPRI);

- The second one, from September 29 to October 1 2004, in Fortaleza (State of Ceará) and Petrolina (State of Pernambuco), dealt with scientific, technical and technological cooperation,during which Arab and South American experts discussed in particular the utilization of semi-arid regions and the management of water resources. Nearly forty high-level specialists, representing seven South American and as many Arab countries, participated in it and defined priority areas for bi-regional co-operation. The conclusions and recommendations ofthe seminar and the list of participants can be found at HYPERLINK “http://www2.mre.gov.br/aspa/semiarido/index_semiarido.htm” \t “_blank” http://www2.mre.gov.br/aspa/semiarido/index_semiarido.htm;

- The third one, on March 23 2005, in Marrakech, on “Cultural Aspects in South America”, organized by Argentina and Morocco. Subjects discussed were “The Formation of National States in South America and the First Attempts at Regional Co-operation”, “Culture, Science and Technology in South America”, “Integration Processes in South America and their Prospects”, and “Migration, Culture and Identity: The Case of Arab Immigration in South America”. The program and the list of participants are available at HYPERLINK “http://www.maec.gov.ma/preparatory/SP/seminario.htm” \t “_blank” http://www.maec.gov.ma/preparatory/SP/seminario.htm.

Throughout the preparatory process all delegations worked earnestly to arrive at a balanced text of a Final Declaration. The process proved a valuable experience inasmuch as it allowed a convergence of positions and a better acquaintance between both negotiating parties. During the talks and meetings a cordial and constructive climate prevailed, a fact which in itself can be considered a political gain in advance of the Summit.


1.3 – The ASPA Summit

The South American-Arab Countries Summit was the first large international meeting in recent history,outside of the regular work program of the United Nations, whose purpose was to bring together two large and important blocks of developing countries.

The objectives of the Summit were:

- First, to promote a reciprocal re-discovery between two regions that have many historic affinities and a wide potential of achievements in the field of bilateral relations. Looking atthe past, the contact point between the two worlds goes back to the Arab presence in the Iberian Peninsula and to the shaping of the cultures which would later be transplanted to South America. These links were resumed and strengthened with the Arab migratory currents toward South America mainly from the 19th century on, which contributed significantly tothe social and cultural formation of South American countries (approximately 10 million Arabs and their descendants live today in Brazil). On the other hand, a large number of South American migrants, particularly from Brazil, have more recently taken the opposite route, toward the Middle East, leaving part of their family in South America and thus building family and culture bridges between the two regions;

- Second, looking at the future, to promote the mutual re-discovery between two regions which, despite the differences in their respective national conditions, face similar challenges in the struggle for development and share common objectives and interests. The countries in both regions support the search for peace and economic development with social justice, the respect for international law and multilateralism and aim at a multipolar and non-exclusive world and at a more just and tolerant international environment, respecting cultural and ethic diversities.

In short, the main purpose of the Summit was to foster the promotion of a growing interaction whose results may benefit both regions.


1.3.1 - The program of the Summit - (May 2005) :

The Conference of Heads of State and Government took place on May 10 and 11 2005. High level officersmet on May 8 and Foreign Ministers on May 9. The program of the Conference included plenary meetings, bilateral meetings and social events in honor of the Heads of State and Government.The program of the Conference of Heads of State and Government was as follows:

MAY 10 9:00 a.m. Opening ceremony of the South American-Arab Countries SummitAuditorium of the Convention Center Ulysses Guimarães- Address by the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, co-president of the Summit;- Address by the President of Algeria, co-president of the Summit and president of the HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_League” \l “Arab_League_Summits” \t “_blank” Arab Summit;- Address by a representative of South America;- Address by the Secretary-General of the Arab League.

MAY 10 11:30 a.m. First Plenary meeting of Heads of State and Government of South America and Arab countriesHotel Blue Tree, Paranoá Hall;Subject of discussion: Bi-regional co-operation through trade, investment and business.

1:30 p.m. Working luncheon offered by the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Heads of State and Government of South America and Arab countriesLuncheon in honor of the foreign delegations, offered by the Secretary-General of External Relations of BrazilHotel Blue Tree

3:30 p.m. Second Plenary Meeting of Heads of State and Government of South America and Arab countriesHotel Blue Tree, Paranoá HallSubject of discussion: Political dialogue, cultural exchange.

3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Reception in honor of the Heads of State and Government of South America and Arab countries offered by the President of the Federative Republic of BrazilItamaraty Palace


MAY 11 Morning Bilateral and intra-regional meetingsHotel Blue Tree

11:00 a.m. Third Plenary Meeting of Heads of State and Government of South America and Arab countries and closing of the SummitHotel Blue Tree, Paranoá Hall

- Presentation to the Heads of State and Government of the Report of the Meeting of Business Executives;- Adoption of the Final Declaration;- Address by the President of Algeria, in his capacity as President of the Arab league;- Address by a representative of South American countries;- Closing of the Summit by the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

12:30 p.m. Press Conference by the Heads of State and Government of South America and Arab countriesHotel Blue Tree, Auditorium

1.3.2 - Business Event

Parallel to the Summit a large business event was held, which included a seminar on economic trends, legislation and instruments for attraction of investments and an investment fair, where space was available for government officials, trade and investment promotion agencies and businessmen for the publicity ofprojects and business opportunities.

The program of the business seminar was as follows:

9:30 – 11:00 a.m.: Opening

11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.: Panels I and II


Panel I : Business culture in South America and in the Arab countries. Integration and Cooperation Mechanisms between Economic Blocks

Panel II: Trade Flows between South America and the Arab Countries: Opportunities, Logistics and Financing.

1:15-3:00 p.m.: Lunch

3:15-7:15 p.m.: Panels III, IV and V

Panel III: Investment Opportunities between South America and the Arab countries: Legislation, Preferences, Partnerships and Projects.

Panel IV: Tourism as a Factor of Cultural Exchange and Generation of Business. Destinations, Infrastructure and Investment.

Panel V: Legal Frameworks for Economic and Trade Cooperation between South America and the Arab Countries. Evaluation and Challenges.

8:00 p.m.: Reception

The Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Mr. Luiz Fernando Furlan, presented on May 11th, at the closing of the Summit, a HYPERLINK “http://www2.mre.gov.br/aspa/textos/Evento%20empresarial%20relato.doc” \t “_blank” report on the results of the business event.

1.4 – Agreement between Mercosul and the Gulf Cooperation Council

During the ASPA Summit, HYPERLINK “http://www.mercosur.int/msweb/” \t “_blank” Mercosul and the HYPERLINK “http://www.gcc-sg.org” \t “_blank” Gulf Cooperaton Council (GCC) signed a HYPERLINK “http://www2.mre.gov.br/aspa/textos/outros/acordo_mercosul_ccg%20ENGL.doc” \t “_blank” Frame Agreement on Economic Cooperation, whose clauses allow for the possibility of both parties signing a Free Trade Agreement.


1.5 - Cultural Program

The cultural program during the Summit encompassed film shows, photographic exhibition, musicalperformances and gastronomic festivals.

a) CINEMA

- Arab Film Show

- Place: Cine Brasília

- Date: May 6 to 12

- Films shown:

La Boîte Magique, by Ridha Behi (Tunisia)

La Passion, by Mohammed Malas (Syria)

Le Moulin de M. Fabre, by Ahmed Rachedi (Algeria)

La Porte du Soleil, by Yousry Nasrallah (Egypt)

Le Cerf-Volant, by Randa Chahal Sabbag (Lebanon, 2003)

Au Neuvième Mois, by Ali Nassar (Palestine, 2003)

- South American Film Show:

- Place: Cine Academia (replayed at CCBB from 10 to 22 May)

- Date: May 6 to 12

- Selected films:

BomBom, el Perro (Carlos Sorín, Argentina) 2004

Doble Juego (Alberto Durant, Peru) 2003

Whisky (Uruguay, 2004)

La Ultima Luna, by Miguel Littin (Chile, 2005)

Quase Dois Irmãos, by Lucia Murat (Brazil)

As Filhas do Vento (Joel Zito Viana, Brazil) 2004

El Rey (José Antonio Dirado Zuniga, Colombia) 2004

Miramenometokei (Enrique Collar, Paraguay)


b) PHOTOGRAPHY

- Exhibition “AMRIK –Arab Presence in South America”;- Place: CCBB- Date: May 2 - June 22, 2006- Participating photographers:ARGENTINA: Guadalupe Miles; Juan Travnik; Julio Pantoja; Pablo Garber; Santiago Porter.BOLIVIA: Dado Galdieri; Eduardo Quintanilla.BRAZIL: Adenor Gondim; Bruno Veiga; Gilvan Barreto; Lalo de Almeida; Leopoldo Plentz , Marcelo Buainain; Orlando Azevedo; Paula Sampaio.CHILE: Rodrigo Gómez-RoviraCOLOMBIA: Jorge Mario Múnera ECUADOR: Judy de Bustamante; Miguel AlvearPARAGUAY: Jorge Saenz PERU: Flavia Gandolfo URUGUAY: Roberto Schettini VENEZUELA: Esso Alvarez

c) MUSIC

- Concert by Duo Assad- Place: CCBB- Date: May 10 (Two concerts at 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)- Concert by musicians from the Brasília Clube do Choro- Place: Itamaraty Palace- Date: May 10

d) GASTRONOMY

- Moroccan and Peruvian gastronomic festivals- Places: Hotel Blue Tree (Morocco) and Hotel Naoum (Peru)- Date: April 28 - May 01

The ASPA Summit was also the largest event celebrated in Brasília since its foundation. It required the co-operation of the Government of the Federal District and brought together a large part of the local society around the objective of ensuring its success.


Declaration of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of ASPA

Buenos Aires, 20-21 February 2008

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South American and Arab countries gathered in Buenos Aires on 20 and 21 February 2008, according to what was stipulated in the Brasilia Declaration, after overviewing the progress achieved in various fields of cooperation between the two regions since the convening of theBrasilia Summit in May 2005, agree as follows:

Introduction

They welcome the intensification of the dialogue between both regions, which not only allowed the tworegions to meet the agenda stipulated in the Declaration, but also to increase the potential for bi-regional cooperation.

They are pleased to note that, since the 2005 Summit, twelve meetings have been held: five MinisterialMeetings on economy, culture, environment and social affairs, five Meetings of High Officials and twoTechnical Meetings. Furthermore, they welcome the agreements reached in the various areas contained in the Declaration and the progress made to implement them.

They are convinced that it is essential to establish dynamic and intense relations in order to turn both regions into privileged partners for each other.

They undertake to promote their convergence on international affairs and to develop their affinitiesresulting from a dialogue that is the best foundation to establish a closer, strengthened and diversifiedrelation.

They recognize the importance of social inclusion and the efforts to achieve cohesion for sustainable development and the strengthening of the government institutions of the countries and improvement of the quality of life of their inhabitants and the respect for diversity of peoples.


Political Coordination and Multilateral Relations

They affirm their commitment to achieve, preserve and enhance international peace and security inaccordance with the Charter of the United Nations and they consider it necessary to build a common space based upon equality, justice, equity and respect for the principles and rules governing coexistence between nations.

They reaffirm the importance of coordination within the multilateral disarmament fora in order to advancecommon positions regarding the progress of the international community towards achieving full nuclear disarmament.

They condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reject any linkage between terrorism and a specific people or religion, ethnicity or culture.

They decide to strengthen cooperation between the two regions in the prevention and fight againstterrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, through the exchange of information between the competent authorities and agencies of each country.

They express their strong support to multilateralism and the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, emphasizing the observance of International Law as a means to ensure international peace and security, as well as the social and economic development of their countries.

They highlight the importance of a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, in order to make them more efficient,democratic, representative and transparent. In this respect, they voice their support to a prompt negotiating process in the United Nations with respect to the Security Council reform.

They recognize the importance of the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, the sixtieth anniversary of which will take place in 2008, and within this context, they recognize the need to undertake actions in order to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental liberties. Convinced that the universal system for the promotion and protection of human rights requires the support of the international community, they deem that international cooperation will be fundamental for securing the observance of human rights, the maintenance of democracy and the promotion of sustainable development, pursuant to the Charter of the United Nations and the related resolutions.


They commend the ongoing institutionalization process of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) which will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the integration process between the two regions.

They call on the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to resume negotiations in order to find, as soon as possible, a fair, peaceful and lasting solution to thesovereignty dispute referred to as “Question of the Malvinas Islands”, in accordance with the many relevant UN Resolutions. They further state that the inclusion of the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands as territories associated to Europe in Annex II to Title IV, “Association of Overseas Countries and Territories”, of Part III of the Treaty amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty Establishing the European Community is not in accordance with the fact that a sovereignty dispute over such islands exists.

They call upon the Islamic Republic of Iran for a positive response to the United Arab Emirates initiative to reach a peaceful settlement in the issue involving the three UAE islands (Tunb Al-Kubra, Tunb Alsughra and Abou Moussa) through dialogue and direct negotiations, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and International Law.

They reaffirm their refusal of illegal foreign occupation and recognize the right of states and the peoples toresist it in accordance with the principles of international legitimacy and in compliance with international humanitarian law.

They reaffirm the need to intensify existing efforts to resume the peace process in order to reach fair, lastingand comprehensive peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict on all tracks on the basis of relevant resolutions of theSecurity Council and of the General Assembly of the United Nations, as well as the Madrid Framework, in particular the “Land for Peace Principle”, the Road Map, and the “Arab Peace Initiative” adopted at the Beirut Summit (2002), and reactivated at the Riyadh Summit (2007) and the Annapolis Conference (2007), leading to the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories up to the lines of 4 June 1967, including the occupied Syrian Golan, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State peacefully coexisting side by side with the State of Israel; and the dismantling of the separation Wall and all settlements including those in East Jerusalem; and they call upon the international community to resume their assistance to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people and to lift all kinds of sanctions. They call for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence.


They express deep concern about the situation in Gaza and call for the immediate reopening of the crossings between Gaza and Israel so that essential goods and services, including fuel, can be supplied on a continuous basis, so as to avoid and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories. They also reaffirm their support for the full implementation of the Fourth GenevaConvention in the occupied territories, including Gaza.

They express deep concern with regard to unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria by the government of the United States of America and consider that the so-called Syria Accountability Act violates principles of International Law and constitutes a violation of the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter thereby setting a serious precedent as regards dealing with independent states.

They call upon all Lebanese political parties to unite and resume dialogue and ensure peace and stability in Lebanon through national dialogue and the implementation of international legitimacy and democracy with a view to preserving the unity, sovereignty and independent identity of Lebanon, and their commitment to the Arab Initiative; they support the efforts made by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States to implement this initiative.

They call for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and reaffirm the need toprovide political and economic support for the Lebanese government and people with a view to preserving its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity as well as security and national unity in all its territories. They also condemn the terrorist attacks against UNIFIL and Lebanese targets and they express their firmdenunciation of all attempts to undermine security, stability and national unity in Lebanon.

They reaffirm the need for the unity, freedom, sovereignty and independence of Iraq and the right of non-interference in its internal affairs; they respect the will of the Iraqi people to freely decide their future, and strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and violence perpetrated against the Iraqi people. They also reaffirmthe need to achieve national reconciliation in Iraq. They support the efforts of the Iraqi government to achieve security and stability; they also support the efforts of the various national Iraqi political factions in this respect. They also express their support for the efforts made by the League of Arab States for that purpose, and they call upon the international community to cancel Iraq ́s debts and to offer the assistance needed to undergo the process of reconstructing its institutions and infrastructure.


They welcome the efforts made by the League of Arab States in cooperation with the African Union and the United Nations to solve the Darfur crisis, and the resumption of their efforts to establish peace and stability in Darfur and the region, and the support for political mediation to achieve a comprehensive political settlement as soon as possible. Within this context, they welcome Sudan government’s acceptance of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1769, and its effort in cooperating with the UN/AU Hybrid operation. They welcome the measures taken to implement the comprehensive peace treaty between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) signed in Nairobi, and they urge both parties to continue their efforts to implement this agreement.

They stress the need to urgently launch a comprehensive national reconciliation dialogue among all the Somali parties and reaffirm that peace emerging from such a dialogue is the only way to avoid furtherinternal strife and to help the transitional Somali government to fulfill its mandate effectively and,furthermore, they affirm the importance of assisting the African Union forces in Somalia so as to enablethem to undertake their mission in achieving peace and security.

They reaffirm that regional security and stability in the Middle East require that the whole region be free ofnuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Within this context, they call upon all parties concerned as well as the international community to take practical and urgent measures for the establishment of a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East. They reaffirm the importance of the accession of all countries of theregion without exception to the NPT and the placement of all their nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards, in realizing the goal of universal adherence to the Treaty in the Middle East. They also express their support to the Arab Initiative calling for the establishment of a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East.

They welcome the strengthening of cooperation between the Arab Parliaments such as the Arab Parliamentary Union and the Provisional Arab Parliament, and the Parliaments and Parliamentary Unions of South American countries, and encourage them to hold joint meetings which would lead to expanding non-governmental participation in promoting the various aspects of cooperation and contributing to the economic, social and political development, as well as the respect for the rule of law and the advancement of human rights, with a view to achieving the interests of the two regions.

They emphasize their willingness to join efforts and exchange information on the necessary tools for humanitarian assistance, both in situations of hunger and poverty and to relieve the effects of natural disasters.


Economic Cooperation

They reaffirm the importance of trade and investment in the development of the respective regions,and they highlight the various initiatives proposed at the Quito and Rabat Ministerial Meetings, for the purpose of facilitating trade flows, strengthening economic and commercial relations, and consolidatingan institutional framework for the promotion of the latter.

They welcome the resolution adopted by the Arab Summit in Riyadh, which aims at strengthening cooperation between Arab countries and other regional groups including South America; they also take note of the convening of an Arab economic and social development Summit, which would lead to the increase of cooperation between both regions.

They invite the countries of the two regions to study the possibility of reducing their trade barriers in order to promote and increase trade and achieve greater integration, reflective of their regional and multilateralcomponents.

They note with satisfaction the substantial growth in overall trade between both regions.

They voice their decision to continue identifying and developing all possibilities for their growth and diversification, and they take into consideration the adoption of preferential treatment trade measures, inview of the differences in economic development or other specific conditions of the parties.

They urge WTO members to intensify negotiations in order to conclude the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations, in accordance with a balanced and ambitious set of results, considering the development goals as a point of reference.

They express their support to the efforts by the countries of the regions aiming at accession to WTO.

They highlight the importance of both the public and private sector’s active participation in increasing trade and investment between the two regions. In this regard, they express appreciation for the progress achieved in trade and investment areas since the first Summit of Arab and South American countries, andsupport the continuation of such actions.

They highlight the importance of encouraging joint investments in areas such as infrastructure, mining and energy, among others.


They agree on the need for further advancement in those areas where the potential for cooperation and trade existing between both regions can be materialized. Thus, they urge all the parties involved in the ASPA Summit follow-up process to intensify their efforts for the purpose of encouraging closer bi-regional relations.

They highlight the importance of tourism in the countries of both regions and call upon pertinent agencies to work together to this end. In this sense, they appreciate the initiative of Brazil to organize seminars in UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, in December 2007.

They consider it is necessary for the promotion of trade between the two regions to carry out initiatives in order to incorporate added value and technological components into their relationship, for the benefit oftheir respective populations.

They recall that, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of International Law, States have the sovereign right to exploit their resources, pursuant to their own laws and development policies. Within this context, they condemn any intimidatory actions against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela or any other country, which may affect its economic and social development and its cooperation with the countries of the South.

They ratify their commitment to achieve the ultimate objective of the Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, guided by their principles, particularly, that developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and their respective capabilities, the specific needs and specialcircumstances of developing country Parties, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, and that would have to bear a disproportionate or abnormal burden under the Convention; and that measures taken to combat climate change, including unilateral ones, should not turn into a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade.

They highlight the importance of promoting measures and policies on energy efficiency that may contributeto the preservation and rational and sustainable use of energy sources.

They recognize the importance and the potential of environmentally- sustainable renewable energy, including biofuel, for the economic, social and environmental development of their nations, as well as its contribution to the diversification of their countries’ energy matrixes.


They ratify the importance of energy for sustainable development. Within this context, they welcome the proposal to establish a bi-regional dialogue mechanism on energy, for the exchange of experiences and the promotion of new cooperation options that may benefit our societies. They also take note of theimportance of the International Forum on Energy, whose Permanent Secretariat is based in Riyadh, as a mechanism of dialogue and cooperation.

They appreciate the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced during the third OPEC Summit held in Riyadh in November 2007, to set up a special research fund on energy, to which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait have made contributions, and welcome its offer to all member countries to make use of its resources and participate therein.

They note with great satisfaction the initiatives aiming at the conclusion of trade agreements between South American and Arab countries. In this regard, they take note of progress achieved in MERCOSUR-GCC negotiations on an FTA between both blocs. They also take note of ongoing contacts between MERCOSUR and Morocco with a view to launching trade negotiations in forthcoming months, building on the Framework Agreement signed in 2004, as well as on the MERCOSUR-Egypt Framework Agreement signed in 2004. These initiatives contribute to significantly enhancing South American-Arab countryrelations.

Social Cooperation

They welcome progress resulting from the First Meeting of Ministers of Development and Social Affairs, held in Cairo on 2-3 May 2007, as recorded in their Final Statement, and urge the competent sectors to implement the cooperation mechanisms therein established.

They express the need to incorporate issues on indigenous and Afro descendents, gender policies and programmes on disability, into the ASPA dialogue.

They recognize the global problem of drugs and their related crimes, and they highlight the essential role of international cooperation to fight this scourge. They voice their strong determination to face this problemin a balanced, comprehensive and multilateral fashion, based upon the principle of shared responsibility and respect for national legislations.

They support the role of civil society to contribute to comprehensive development.


Cultural Cooperation and Dialogue between Civilizations

They reaffirm that the important contribution of Arab immigration to South American countries is aninvaluable input to fostering cultural relations between the two regions in all aspects.

They express their willingness to continue debating cultural policies and actions to promote mutual knowledge of the Arab and South American cultures. Furthermore, they recognize that this forum provides a unique opportunity to build bridges between the peoples of both regions and create a common space for dialogue, exchange and interaction.

They take note of the decision to adopt the institutional, financial and administrative structure of theArab-South American Library; they commend the Algerian provision of a five-hectare plot of land for thispurpose, and its full commitment to undertake all establishment costs and the authors’ lodgings annexed to the Library. They call for an urgent meeting in Algiers of the Committee on Cultural Cooperation no later than 30 April 2008, for the adoption of its institutional structure. In case of non-attendance at the meeting called by Algeria, the countries must take note that the Draft Bylaws will be approved ad referendum and will be submitted to the Summit in Qatar.

They welcome the construction of an internet website on cultural bi-regional cooperation, HYPERLINK “http://www.bibliaspa.com.bre/” www.bibliaspa.com.br, and they also welcome the initiative by Algeria to enrich the Virtual Library website with ten book titles; furthermore, they urge the participating countries in the meeting to effectively contribute to these websites and the construction of additional ones with a view to create a special virtual network in cooperation between both regions which would contribute, together with the Library, to implement the Arab-South American common efforts.

They emphasize that the translation of books, and the knowledge and dissemination of languages and the promotion of historical-cultural research are key points both of the aforesaid project and of the future creation of the South America Research Institute in Morocco, insofar as they will contribute to encouraging access to literary and academic works by researchers and the public at large.

They welcome the approval of the “Statutes of the South American Research Institute” submitted by the Kingdom of Morocco (annexed to this Declaration), which have been evaluated, analyzed and approved by the Cultural Cooperation Committee.


They affirm that the establishment of the South American Research Institute in Tangiers, Morocco, willfoster research in all humanitarian and social science fields and will play a vital role in building bridgesbetween the academics from both regions. This Institute will represent a source of high-level scientificresearch that will contribute to the enrichment of the national and international cultural heritage and become a reference centre for all scholars and researchers.

They are especially satisfied with the publication of the first book of the ASPA Library, a trilingual co-edition, published by the national libraries of Algeria, Brazil and the Ayacucho de Venezuela Library of “El deleite del extranjero en todo lo que es asombroso y maravilloso”, by Imam Al Baghdadi. They encourage further publications of books of interest for both regions.

They point out the importance of debate on cultural diversity. For the purpose of encouraging intercultural dialogue, they deem it positive to share cultural experiences and policies aimed at renewing and discussing ideas, theories and concepts on the matter.

In this respect, they consider that this path contributes to incorporating content and action into the “Alliance of Civilizations”, established by the 60th United Nations General Assembly in 2005. Furthermore, they emphasise the progress made in their commitment to bring the West and the Arab World closer together, strengthening a link whose cultural components have a special preponderance, and express their satisfaction with the appointment of the former President of Portugal, Mr. Jorge Sampaio, as the United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations.

They welcome the outcome of the first Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations held in Madrid on 15-16January 2008 which witnessed a high level Arab and South American participation in the political, cultural and non-governmental fields; they also welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understandingbetween the League of Arab States and the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations. Furthermore, they welcome Argentina’s proposal to be the venue of a Regional Seminar in April 2008 for the purpose of analyzing the issue of gender.

They express the need to respect the diversity of cultures, religions and civilizations, which is a part of common human heritage. They stress that freedom of worship is one of the basic rights that should be respected and should not be the object of segregation, discrimination or racism.


They call for an enhancement of scientific and technical cooperation between both regions; and expresstheir willingness to establish bi-regional cooperation programmes in priority areas that could serve as examples for future joint actions in South-South cooperation.

They welcome the web portals on bi-regional cooperation in the areas of Science and Technology and encourage the countries participating in the Summit to actively contribute to enriching them and to create additional sites capable of setting up a good quality virtual network for cooperation between both regions.

They welcome the Joint Communiqué on Environmental Cooperation adopted at the First Meeting of Environment Ministers of Arab and South American countries, in Nairobi, on 6 February 2007, taking into account that cooperation between both regions for sustainable development is mutually beneficial andwill consolidate their friendly relations.

They undertake to ensure the follow-up and implementation of the Joint Communiqué, promoting the use of the instruments therein provided for, in particular, the development of a Biennial Executive Programme during the year 2008, as well as the promotion of ministerial or technical meetings.

They welcome the initiative by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to convene the Arab and South American Ministerial meeting on Water Resources and the Combating of Desertification on 16-17 November 2008in Riyadh, as part of the efforts by both regions to achieve their development goals within a sustainable environmental framework.

Cooperation and Follow-up Mechanisms

They appreciate the initiative by the State of Qatar for hosting the Second ASPA Summit in Doha on the last quarter 2008, which will be preceded by a preparatory meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

They express their appreciation and lend their support to the decision of the State of Qatar to host, in parallel with the Second ASPA Summit, the second bi-regional conference of South American and Arab businesspersons, in line with the Rabat action plan.

They decide to set up an open-ended working group composed of the Troika countries, the two Secretariats and other interested countries, to prepare a plan of action to be submitted to the Summit in Qatar.

Issued in Buenos Aires on 21 February 2008


FIFTH MEETING OF HIGH OFFICIALS IN THE MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARAB AND SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES

Doha, Qatar October 20-23, 2008

Final Report

As a follow up to the Summit of Arab and South American countries, held in Brasilia in May 2005, High Level Officials from Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries held their Fifth Meeting in the cityof Doha, Qatar on October 20-23, 2008.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Saif Bin Moqadam Alboainain, Assistant Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar ; Ambassador Pablo Romero Munoz , (Chile) as Presidency of UNASUR ; Ambassador Milad Atieh, (Syria) as President of the Arab Summit; Ambassador Ahmed Benhelli, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs at the Arab League and Ambassador Arnaldo Carrilho, Special Representative of Brazil for ASPA Affairs.

The High Level Officials reviewed the progress made since their fourth Meeting held in Santa Cruz de laSierra, Bolivia, on July 19-20, 2007 and the meeting of ASPA Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in Buenos Aires, on 20-21 February 2008, and exchanged views on the steps to meet the commitments that have been made, taking into consideration the need to focus their activities on the areas contained in this Report.

They noted with satisfaction the progress made regarding the bi-regional dialogue during 2008, and highlighted the results of the last meetings held at experts level which took place this year, in Algiers and Recife.

Likewise, they reiterated the need to continue efforts to meet the commitments contained in the Brasilia Declaration and the decisions and recommendations approved in subsequent meetings.

They noted with appreciation the broad participation of Delegations in the Fifth Meeting held in Doha, which denotes the importance attached to the process of growing understanding among the parties.


They agreed on the following;

First: Political Coordination

1, Commend the ongoing institutionalization process of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) which will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the integration process between the two regions.

2. They call on the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to resume negotiations in order to find, as soon as possible, a fair, peaceful and lasting solution tothe sovereignty dispute referred to as “Question of the Malvinas Islands”, in accordance with the many relevant UN Resolutions. They further state that the inclusion of the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands as territories associated to Europe in Annex II to Title IV, “Association of Overseas Countries and Territories”, of Part III of the Treaty amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty Establishing the European Community is not in accordance with the fact that a sovereignty dispute over such islands exists.

3. Support the Government of Bolivia in the development of initiatives of dialogue currently in process, and urge all the members of Bolivian society to attain a sustainable solution within the framework of the full respect for the state of legality and the legal order force. In this respect they recognize the efforts being excerpted by UNASUR to achieve these purposes.

4. Call upon the Islamic Republic of Iran for a positive response to the United Arab Emirates’ initiative to reach a peaceful settlement in the issue involving the three UAE islands (Tunb Al-Kubra, Tunb Alsughra and Abou Moussa) through dialogue and direct negotiations, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and International Law.

5. Reaffirm the need to intensify existing efforts to resume the Arab – Israeli peace process in orderto reach a just, lasting and comprehensive peace on all tracks on the basis of relevant resolutions


of the Security Council and of the General Assembly of the United Nations, as well as the Madrid Framework, in particular the “Land for Peace Principle”, “the Road Map”, and the “Arab Peace Initiative” adopted at the Beirut Summit (2002), and reaffirmed at the Riyadh Summit (2007) andDamascus Summit (2008) and the Annapolis Conference (2007), leading to the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories up to the lines of 4 June 1967, including the occupied Syrian Golan, and what remained from Lebanese territory and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State peacefully coexisting side by side with the State of Israel; and the dismantling of the separation Wall and all settlements including those in East Jerusalem; and they call upon the international community to resume their assistance to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people and to lift all kinds of sanctions.

6. Reaffirm that regional security and stability in the Middle East require that the whole region be freeof nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Within this context, they call upon all parties concerned as well as the international community to take practical and urgent measures for the establishment of a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East. They reaffirm the importance of theaccession of all countries of the region without exception to the NPT and the placement of all their nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards, in realizing the goal of universal adherence to the Treaty in the Middle East. They also express their support to the Arab Initiative calling for the establishment of a nuclear Weapons Free Zone in the Middle East.

7. Reaffirm that the use of nuclear energy for peaceful use is an alienable right for the states parties tothe “Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty”, and applying this right in a discriminatory or selective way, especially to the states parties, will affect the credibility of the treaty. And reaffirm the importanceof cooperation in this field and support economic and technical research, and intensify exchange ofexperts between the research centers in the Arab and South American countries.

8. Affirm the importance of cooperation between both regions in international fora on issues related todisarmament.


9. Express deep concern with regard to unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria by the government of the United States of America and consider that the so-called “Syria Accountability Act” violates principles of International Law and constitutes a violation of the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter thereby setting a serious precedent as regards dealing with independent states.

10. Welcome the Doha Agreement with respect to Lebanon under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al- Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, which has successfully led to the election of Lebanese President, General Michel Soliman, as well as the formation of the national unity government, and reaffirm their solidarity with Lebanon according to the resolutions adopted by theArab Foreign Ministers Council in Cairo, September 2008.

11. Reaf firm the need for the unity, freedom, sovereignty and independence of Iraq and the right ofnon-interference in its internal affairs; they respect the will of the Iraqi people to freely decide their future, and strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and violence perpetrated against the Iraqi people. They also reaffirm the need to achieve national reconciliation in Iraq, and they support the efforts ofthe Iraqi government in this regard and to achieve security and stability; they also support the efforts of the various national Iraqi political factions in this respect. They also express their support for the efforts made by the League of Arab States for that purpose, and they call upon the international community to cancel Iraq ́ s debts and to offer the assistance needed to undergo the process of reconstructing its institutions and infrastructure.

12. Welcome the initiative led by the Arab League and the African Union to resolve the Darfur crisis, and express support for the Darfur Committee headed by H.E Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, H.E Amr Moussa Secretary General of the League of Arab States and the President of the African Union Commission, in this respect, express appreciation for the regional and international support rendered to the initiative, calling upon all the Sudanese factions to respond positively to the initiative to ensure its success. And call


for an urgent solution to the Darfur crisis, stressing the priority of peace building. Also, highlight the importance of supporting the respect for human rights in Darfur. And reject any attempt to politicize the crisis in the name of international justice, and to use it to jeopardise peace and stability in Darfur.

13. Reaffirm the unity, sovereignty and stability of Somalia, renew support for the Somali NationalReconciliation and help it to overcome the crisis.

14. Reiterate the need to make structures of global governance more democratic, representative and legitimate by increasing participation of developing countries in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions.

15. Reaffirm the support of their Governments for the reform of the United Nations -- including theSecurity Council’ s expansion in order to make it more democratic and responsive to the priorities of the Member States, particularly those of the developing countries that constitute the vast majority of its membership.

16. Took note of the postponement of the Second African-South American Countries Summit, with participation by the Arab countries of Africa, which was due to take place in Venezuela at the end of November 2008, at the request of the Government of the State of Qatar, as it would coincide with the UN Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Doha, on 29 November 2008, so as to allow a broader participation of African Heads of State in the latter. The Venezuelan Government is carrying out consultations to set a new date for holding the Second ASA Summit within the firstfour months of 2009.


Second: Economic cooperation

17. Decide to establish an open-ended committee to prepare for the businessmen conference to be held in Qatar in 2009 on the sidelines of the Second ASPA Summit. The core of this committee will be composed of representatives of the Troika of Arab Summit (Saudi Arabia, Syria, Qatar) and Chile (as pro tempore presidency of UNASUR), Brazil, the General Union of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in the Arab Countries, the Arab Businessmen Union and Arab Investors Union and their counterparts in South American Countries, in coordination with the Arab League. The meeting of the committee will be held before the end of the year and the date will be decided in due consultation with the State of Qatar.

18. Call on the Secretariat of LAS in coordination with UNASUR to undertake actions agreed upon mentioned in the Second Item of Rabat Declaration.

19. Decide to increase the cooperation and coordination between General Secretariat of LAS and General Secretariat of UNASUR.

20. Welcome the proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding between the League of Arab States and the Union of South American Nations to promote tourism between the two regions.

21. Welcome the convening of the international follow up conference for financing development whichwill be held in (Qatar; 29/11-2/12/2008).

22. Express their mutual concern at the International Financial Crisis, and its ramifications on theeconomies of the ASPA countries, with a view to safeguarding their interests within the efforts deployed by the International Community. They emphasize the need to establish an international financial system, which prevents financial speculation and takes into account adequate regulations.In this context, the construction of this new international finance architecture must be congruentwith socioeconomic development. Financial cooperation instruments, in addition to the international efforts, should be implemented. Cooperation mechanisms among the countries of the South must be reinforced to prevent crisis and poverty.


23. Look forward to holding bi-regional Seminars on Energy and Mining, as well as Financial and Capital Market laid out in the Rabat Plan of Action.

24. Welcome the convening of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in Kuwait 19-20 January 2009, which would lead to enhance cooperation between the two regions.

25. Noted with satisfaction that the dynamism of the South is thriving today, with a substantial part of the global GDP growth and trade being due to the trade promoted by and between countries in the South. They pledged to promote these mutually beneficial trends through enhanced linkages such astrade, investment and technology transfer, including the negotiation of trade agreements of bilateral or multilateral nature, such as the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP).

26. Welcome the Brazilian delegation announcement that Brazil will host in the city of Sao Paulo, from 17-21 November 2008, an International Conference entitled “Bio fuels as a Driving Force for Sustainable Development”, and distributed written information on the subject. Invitations have been sent to countries by the embassies of Brazil abroad . The Brazilian delegation stressed the importance of Arab and South American countries to participate in the event, in order to go for a deeper analysis and to separate facts and myths on the matter.

Third: Social Cooperation

27. The South American side will provide the League of Arab States General Secretariat with focal points on social affairs to enable it to coordinate and follow up matters in this regard.

28. Welcome the Meeting of Social Development Ministers in a South American country. The date and venue of the meeting will be determined through focal points to be decided later by the South American side.

29. Stress the importance of exchanging expertise and successful national initiatives to combat poverty and achieve social development.


Forth : Cultural Cooperation

Decide to adopt the recommendations of the cultural committee as follows;

30. The preparation of a budget for the operation of the Library, to be shared according to the financialpossibilities of each participating country, and overseen by a technical committee formed by members of the current Committee for Cultural Cooperation, for the coordination and follow-up of this issue.

31. The acceptance of the project presented by the Moroccan kingdom on the building of the Research Institute on South America in Tangier, presented in details and concerning the surface, the internal distribution of rooms, the administrative offices and different departments, and also the preparationof a budget for the operation of the institute to be shared according to the financial possibilitiesof each participating country, and overseen by a technical committee formed by members of the current Committee for Cultural Cooperation, for the coordination and follow-up of this issue.

32. The welcoming of the publication of the third and fourth editions of the book “The foreigner’s delight in everything that is astounding and marvelous”, issued by BIBLIASPA. These editions will be published by Brazil and Venezuela before the II Summit of Arab and South American Countries, aiming at its distribution in colleges, universities, libraries, schools, cultural and research centers.

33. The welcoming of the presentation of the update on the exhibition project “A Story of Two Rivers: the Amazon and the Nile”, including technical, geographical and social factors, inviting the concerned parties, Egypt and Sudan, to present their own propositions and studies for the development and the support of this project.

34. The welcoming the announcement made by Peru on the incoming presentation of two books, one related to the proximity Peruvian and Arab cultures entitled “L’ Andalous au Perou” by Ambassador Jaime Caceres, and the other entitled “The Origins of the Amazon” by Czech researcher Vohumir Jansky, within the framework of the Exhibition Project “A Story of Two Rivers: The Amazon and the Nile”, the latter published under the auspices of Peruvian institutions and the Czech Republic.


35. The consideration and acceptance of the newly added information presented by Brazil concerning the enlarged website of the Arab and South American Library (such as Calligraphy, Maps, Poetry, Articles, Videos and the Agenda of the activities of the Library, e.g. the “Conference on Arab Contributions to South America”, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, 12-14 November 2008), calling upon the countries of both regions to submit their contributions for the development of the site. In addition to supporting the site, the Committee also called upon the sending of contributions for the Review of Arab and South American Studies, which will be distributed during the forthcoming II Summit of Arab and South American Countries.

36. The acceptance, in principle, of the organization of the II Meeting of Arab and South American Ministers of Culture, to be held in Brazil, before the forthcoming II Summit of Arab and South American Countries, by the end of March 2009.

37. The welcoming of the proposal by the delegate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of supporting cultural cooperation in different fields, especially the cultural cooperation betweenArab and South American Countries, under the aegis of the Declaration of Brasília. The Committee also welcomed the proposal of the delegate of the State of Kuwait concerning the activities of joint external festivals.

38. Call on Venezuela to set the date of the joint Meeting of Education Ministers in Arab and South American Countries and provide the agenda of the Meeting.

39. The Arab Countries confirm their support to the nomination by the Arab Republic of Egypt of Mr.Farouk Hosni, the Egyptian Minister of Culture, for the post of Director General of UNESCO, as the only Arab candidate for the post. He has extensive artistic and cultural experiences and has made Arab and international contributions in this respect. The South American Countries took note of this candidature, and the Arab Countries seek the support of the South American Countries for this nomination.


Fifth: Scientific, Technological and Environmental Cooperation

Decide to adopt the recommendations of the Science, Technology and Environment committee as follows;

40. Draft Riyadh Ministerial Communiqué

Cooperation on water resources, semi-arid lands and desertification has always been a major topic in theASPA dialogue. It was initially addressed prior to the I ASPA Summit, in the “Seminar on Semi-Arid Lands and Water Resources” (Fortaleza/Petrolina, 29/8–1/10/2004), and included in the Brasília Declaration under chapter 9. In the follow-up process, the topic has been taken up in all High Officials Meetings, andwas incorporated into the Arab-South American Joint Comminiqué on Environment, approved in Nairobi on 6/2/2007, by the Arab and South American Ministers of Environment.

The initiative of the Ministerial Meeting on Water Resources was suggested by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the 3rd High Officials Meeting (Cairo, 30-31/1/2007). In the 4th High Officials Meeting(Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 18-20/7/2007), the Brazilian delegation offered to host a preparatory meeting in Recife.

In the Recife Meeting (20-22 August 2008), experts and delegates engaged in discussing proposals and priority areas for cooperation on water resources and combating desertification. Accordingly, the draftcommunique of the Ministerial Meeting of Riyadh, to be held on 16-17 November, 2008, has been prepared (as presented in Annex 1).

During the Joint Meeting of the Committees on Science and Technology and Environment, the delegations agreed on reviewing the draft communique and sending their remmarks to LAS to HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]” [email protected] before 7th of November 2008.

The final version of Riyadh Ministerial Communiqué will be approved in the Meeting of the High Officialsof the Ministries in Charge of Water Resources to be held in Riyadh on the 16th of November 2008, before submitting it to the joint Ministerial Meeting, to be held on 17th of November, 2008, and look forward for the participation of the Ministers in charge of water resources in both regions to attend the Riyadh Ministerial meeting.


41. Joint Executive Biannual Program for environmental cooperation (2009–2010).

The committee reviewed and approved the program proposed by the Council of Arab Ministers responsible for the Environment (CAMRE/LAS), which includes the following areas for cooperation:

Integrated waste management.

New technologies in water desalinization.

Techniques and technologies to limit and adapt to climate change.

Modern techniques and technologies to mitigate the effects of droughts and combat desertification.

Cleaner production technologies and clean development mechanism (CDM).

Integrated coastal zone management.

Convening coordination meetings during the international conferences related to the environment.

Activation of the information network established in Brazil.

The LAS and the ACSAD suggested to host a trainning workshop that deals with regional climate system modeling to reduce uncertainties in climate change scenarios.

42. Follow up on the outcome of the Santa Cruz and Recife meetings.

42.1. Recommended structure:

The LAS (Department of Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development and ACSAD) will act as the regional Nodal Point to the Committee on Science and Technology as well as the Committee of Environmental Cooperation. Brazil (Ministry of External Relations) will be the regional Nodal Point for South America until the Secretariat of the UNASUR is formed and can assume this responsability.

Each country shall designate a national Nodal Point to act as coordinator between the committees and relevant national entities.


42.2. ASPA-Science website:

The ASPA-Science website (www.aspa-science.org) shall be a platform for the follow-up on the activities on Science and Technology, as well as a means of interchanging projects, proposals and experiences and of encouraging contact between the scientific communities of both regions.

The Committee welcomes the positive response of some countries in the two regions in nominating their nodal points to the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations, which is responsible for the website data management, and requests other countries to follow suit before the forthcoming High Officials Meeting.

42.3. Creation of the Arab-South American Technological University:

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Palestinian Government agreed to prepare a preliminary proposal for the creation of the “Simón Bolívar” Technological University, to be submitted before the forthcoming High Officials Meeting.

42.4. Cooperation program in the areas of research, management capacity, exchange of experiences and experts on science and technology:

The Committee requests feedback on the proposals submitted in the Santa Cruz de la Sierra High Officials Meeting by the Delegations of Bolivia, Chile, Venezuela and the Arab League/ACSAD concerning cooperation activities.

42.5. Encourage the bi-lateral cooperation between Palestine and South American countries in providing the Palestinians with under and postgraduate fellowships:

The Committee encourages Palestine to inform the South American countries the areas of specialization and the number of fellowships it needs in order to allow the effective implementation of cooperation programs.

42.6. Peaceful applications of atomic energy

The Committee welcomes the proposal of the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy (IPEN) to participate in cooperation and research programs in the field of atomic energy with peacefulapplications. These programs will include capacity building, research and pilot project implementation in the fields of agriculture, medicine and electricity generation. Such programsshould be carried out within the IAEA framework of cooperation. The Committee encourages Arab Countries to benefit from the Peruvian offer.


Other matters.

43.1 Project proposal “Land Degradation Monitoring and Assessment in Arab Region and South America” (LAMAARSA):

LAS/ACSAD presented the project proposal “Land Degradation Monitoring and Assessment in Arab Region and South America” (LAMAARSA), to be considered by South American and Arab countries. The committee requests interested South American countries to analyze and give their remarks on the project. Brazil, as regional nodal point, will work in coordination with the LAS/ACSAD on this matter.

43.2 Brazilian proposal of cooperation between ASPA countries to implement the National Action Programs (NAPs), which will be similar to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) Platform for Cooperation in the Area of Environment.

The Committee welcomes the “Proposal of Cooperation Among the Member Countries of the South American-Arab Countries Summit (ASPA) in the Field of National Programs to Combat Desertification” (Annex 2), presented by the Brazilian delegation, and requests the memberstates and LAS/ACSAD to review it for discussion during the next High Officials Meeting.

43.3 Areas of Cooperation proposed by The Delegation of Brazil

The Committee highly appreciates the proposals made by the Brazilian Delegation which covers the following areas:

Space-based satellite environmental monitoring.

Global and regional climate system modeling (early warning drought forecasting systems) to reduce uncertainties in climate changing scenarios.

Impact adaptation and vulnerability research in arid and semi-arid regions.

Development of desalinization technology.


Sixth : Follow-up Mechanisms

44. ASPA STRUCTURE

44.1 Propose to establish an organizational structure for ASPA in order to make it more dynamic, to be submitted to the up coming ASPA Foreign Affairs Ministerial meeting, in March 2009, as follows;

(Highest level) The Summit, formed by Heads of States and Governments, to meet every three years;

(Second level) The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, to meet every two years;

(Third level) The Council of High Officials from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, formed by theNational Coordinators (Focal Points), to meet every six months;

(Fourth level – 1) The Sectorial Committees, formed by experts in each area (Nodal Points), to meet at least twice a year;

(Fourth level – 2) The Executive Coordination Group, formed by the Chair of the Arab Summit, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, representing the Arab Countries, and the Presidency of the UNASUR, Brazil (Brazil will temporarily join this Group until UNASUR becomes fully structured) representing the South American countries. This Group should meet twice a year.

44.2 Decide that the currently existing Committees for Cultural Cooperation, Science and Technology, and Economic Cooperation will be joined by two new Committees, those for Environmental Cooperation and Social Cooperation.

44.3 Decide the above-mentioned meetings should convene in rotation between Arab and South American Countries if possible.


45. DRAFT DECLARATION OF SECOND ASPA SUMMIT

Decide to set up an open ended ad hoc group to draft the declaration to be issued at the closure of the Second ASPA Summit. This drafting group will be integrated by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, Syria, Qatar, Egypt, Brazil, Venezuela and Chile. This declaration will include the following sections:

1. Introduction

2. Political Coordination

3. Economic & Financial Coordination

4. Bi-regional Cooperation (Culture & Education, Environment, Science & Technology, Business & Trade, Social Affairs)

5. Follow-up Mechanism

All countries are invited to send their contributions (paragraphs) to be included in the sections above.

Decide to hold the preparatory meeting of High Officials for the Doha Summit in Egypt during the firsthalf of the month of February 2009.

Suggest to hold the preparatory meeting of Ministers of Forging Affairs in the Arab League Head Quarters in Cairo during the month of March before the Doha Summit to be held during 31/3 – 1/4/ 2009.

The High Officials delegates thank the government of Qatar for its hospitality and for the excellentorganization of the meeting.

Doha, Qatar, October 23, 2008

3 - The National Organizing Committee of The Second Summit of

Arab-South American Countries


1- The National Organizing Committee of the Summit Meeting

The Arab-South American Second Summit will be held at the Qatar International Conferences Centre in Doha. The National Organizing Committee is the supreme authority in Qatar responsible for organizing the Summit meeting in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Arab League.

The tasks of the hosting country:

- Organization of the meeting, provision of reception, hospitality, protocol, transportation, residence assistance, security and protection;

– Coordinating the work of the General Secretariat of the Arab League and south American Countries and organizing work at the Qatar International Conferences Center, in aspects of organization, security, protocol, secretariat, translation and media, as well as rendering technical and logistic services directly.

The National Organizing Committee for the Summit Meeting is composed of the Chairman and members of the following Committee :

Mr. Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al-Roumaihi Assist Foreign Minister for Follow-Up Affairs Chairman of the National Organizing Committee for the Summit Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tel. : 4334340

Mr. Lehdan Ghanim Al-Mohanadi Member of the National Organizing Committee Qatar Tourism Authority Mobile : 5858899

Mr. Khalid Al-Nuseiri Member of the National Organizing Committee Civil Aviation Authority Mobile : 5807060


Security Committee

Brigadier, Ali Mohamed Al-Rashid Mobile : 5515744

Colonel, Khalid Abdulla Al-Houti Chief of Protection and Security of the Conference Center Mobile : 5895352

Colonel, Rashid Mohamed Masoud Al Hajiri Member of the Security Committee, Emiri Guard Mobile : 5500251

Protocol Committee

Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Maliki Chief of Protocol Committee Asst. Chief, Emiri Protocol - Emiri Diwan Mobile : 5510777

Mr. Mohamed Khater Al-Khater Assistant Chief of Protocol Committee , Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5861166

Mr. Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo Member of Protocol Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5500881

Mr. Abdul Rahman Darwish Member of Protocol Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5210000

Mr. Malik Esufji Member of Protocol Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5222230


National Drafting Committee

Ambassador, Seif Bin Muqaddam Al-Buainain,

Assistant Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Drafting Committee Mobile : 5554471

Ambassador Abdel-Aziz Ibraheem Al-Sahlawi, Member of the Drafting Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5560268

Ambassador, Adil Ali Al-Khal

Member of the Drafting Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5565356

National Assisting Committee

Mr. Abdulla Abdul Rahman Fakhroo Executive Manager, PCOC, Permanent Conference Organizing Committee, General Coordinator, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5525292

Mrs. Nadia Al-Shaibi Executive, Secretariat Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tel. : 4251502

Mr. Osman Abdul Majeed Expert, PCOC - Coordinator for Documentation & Translations Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5291848


Financial & Administrative Committee

Mr. Ali Ahmed Flamirzi Chairman of the Financial Committee, Financial Controller, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5535777

Mr. Abdulla Mesed Al-Gahtani Chairman of the Technical Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5505080

Mr. Hassan Jumma Al-Mohanadi Member of the Technical Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5087776

Mr. Hassan Hamza Assad Member of the Technical Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5087776

Information Committee

Ambassador Mr. Khamees Ibrahim Al-Mohanadi Chairman of the Information Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mobile : 5505158

Mr. Tariq Al-Othman Member of the Information Committee Ministry of Foreign AffairsMobile : 5524666

Mr. Khalid Al-Motawa Member of the Information Committee Qatar Telecommunications Co.(Qtel) Mobile : 5505606


Media Committee

Mr. Abdulla Sadiq

Chairman of the Media Committee

Qatar TV.

Mobile : 5535132

Mr. Jassim Mohamed Boukarbal

Assist. Chairman of the Media Committee

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mobile : 5504257

Mr. Salah Al-Emadi

Qatar TV.

Mobile : 5534118

Medical Committee

Dr. Abdul Wahab Al-Mosleh

Chairman of the Medical Committee

Chairman of the Emergency Section at

General Hamad Hospital

Tel. 4391050

Dr. Hamid Ghareeb

Member of the Medical Committee

General Hamad Hospital

Tel. 4391051


Qatar’s Permanent Representative at the Arab League and Qatar Embassy In Cairo :

Ambassador Mohamed Bin Hamad Al Khalifa,

Embassy of the State of Qatar, Cairo

Tel. 4391051

Mr. Usama Yousuf Al-Qaradawi,

Deputy Permanent Representative at the Arab League, Cairo

Tel. +202106666692

For further and updated information please visit the following Websites :

www.qatar-conferences.org

www.arableagueonline.org


3/1 General information about the summit preparations:

Basic information:

Conferences Center:

The Conferences Center is situated at a distance of 5 km from the City Center. The State of Qatar has, during the past two decades, achieved an extraordinary record in organizing first quality conferencesand providing excellent services and security for hosting international events. Moreover, Qatar provides translation, documentation, media and transportation services.

The Conferences Center consists of three main meeting halls, two lobbies, a media center, a business center, and 12 offices. The main meeting hall consists of two meeting halls, two extraordinary meeting halls andsmall meeting halls, restaurant lounges, and secretariat offices.

In addition, the Center has a media center, a business center for participants and offices for participantcountries and organizations.

Arrival of official delegates and guests:

Reception at Airport:

Participating delegations in the Summit meeting will arrive at the Doha International Airport, which is 7 km away from Qatar International Conferences Center.

In case of any emergency, an alternative airport in Qatar shall be used, namely, Al-Udaid Military Base, located 28 km west of Doha City.

HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Emir of the State of Qatar will receive his brothers Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies Heads of States and Governments and Ministers of Foreign Affairs attending the Summit meeting.

Their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies heads of states, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Economy and Senior Officials will pass through the Ministerial hall.


The civil escorts and representatives of Department of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive all other members of the delegations, and the participating journalists at the Public Arrival Hall at Doha International Airport.

Facility desks will be opened at the airport to facilitate the passport and customs procedures. In addition, means of speedy delivery of

Baggage will be provided to the participants. Embassies of the Arab Countries, which have diplomatic missions accredited to Doha must inform the National Organizing Committee of the Conference, of the names of their official designates to follow-up steps of the matters, in order to ensure issuing them therequired permissions to enter the airport.

In case of Arab League member states and South American Countries, which have no embassies in Doha, the delegates of such countries will receive assistance from a special team constituted for this purpose.

There will be an official protocol desk to attend to questions and address the requests of the participantsof the summit, both before and after the event.

For more information and details concerning reception at the facility desks and on means of contacts with the Protocol Office, please visit the following websites:

www.qatar-conferences.org

Luggage:

The National Organizing Committee of the meeting will hand over the badges to facilitate the location of the luggage brought by the participants of the meeting. Four different colors are chosen for the purpose of distinction of hotels to transport the luggage of the heads of State and Government, ministers of foreign affairs, agents and press.

A Committee will work at Doha International Airport. It will be composed of representatives of Customs and other institutions and of representatives appointed by embassies of the Arab League member states accredited to the State of Qatar to speed up delivery of luggage. A number of Qatari officials will assist theofficial delegations, which have no embassies in Qatar.


Information on Tourism, Car Rents and Services:

An office will be allotted for Qatar Tourism Authority, at the car park of Hotel Doha Sheraton, for theofficial delegations and for press, to address questions and requirements of the participants of the meeting,on issues pertaining to tourism.

All hotels earmarked for accommodation of the participants of the conference will advertise the names of the nearest shopping centers that are open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. The hotels will also provide various services for their residents from among the delegations of the conference, including restaurants, coffee shops, and other facilities.

Facilitation of the Work of the Delegations:

Work office halls will be set up at the venue of the Summit meeting. They will be fully prepared for theofficial delegations and will be equipped with facilities such as secretariat, computers with modems (toaccess Internet and E-mails.), in addition to printers and keyboards with the official work languages.Moreover, the halls will be equipped with faxes, telephones, photocopiers and other equipments, which may be used as offices or desks.

Work Languages :

The official work languages are English, French, Spanish and Portugese. Simultaneous interpretation and

written translation will be provided in these languages during the official sessions.

Coordination of Meetings with the Vanguard Group:

Meetings will also be held from March 15, 2009, with Vanguard Groups of the official delegations, and

with embassies of whose delegations will be headed by Heads of State and Government.


3/2 – Proposed timetable for the work of the Second Summit of Arab-South American Countries :

Agenda for the Second Summit of Arab - South American Countries Doha, 31st March 2009

Monday 30th March, 2009

Meeting

Arrival of their Excellencies Leaders of South American Countries to Doha

Tuesday March 31st, 2009

Time Place Meeting

12:30 Al-Dafna Hall H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar receives their Execellencies Leaders of South American Countries at the Emiri Hall (Conference Center, Sheraton)

13:00 Sheraton Lunch banquet held by HH the Emir in honor of Arab and South American leaders

14:30 Photo session of Arab and South American leaders

15:00 - 16:00 Al-Dafna Hall Openning session of the Second Arab-South American Summit

18:00 - 20:00 Al-Dafna Hall Plenary Session of the Second Arab-South American Countries Summit

20:00 - 21:00 Concluding Session

4 - Protocol & Ceremonies


4/1- Accommodation & Hotels:

Official delegations:

The Government of the State of Qatar will provide (10) official accommodations for the delegations, in 5-Star hotels. The accommodation will consist of a suite for the head of State or Government and two suites for ministers and (10) rooms, two of which will have four beds for the guard and escorts (Maximum No of 8 persons). The government of the State of Qatar will bear the cost of accommodation as per the following modalities and according to the level of representation:

Head of a State 25 - (1+4+20)

Prime Minister 20 - (1+2+ 17)

Minister 10 - (1+1+8)

Undersecretary or ambassador or director 3 - (1+2)

The meals and the dry clean service will be only for the above mentioned numbers only.

Hotels Allotted for the Official Delegations:

Doha Sheraton Hotel

Ritz Carlton Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel

W-Hotel

Intercontinental Hotel

La Segale Hotel

Retaj Al-Rayyan Hotel

Movenpick Tower Hotel


Hotels allotted for Press & Media:

Ramada Hotel

Grand Regency Hotel

Millennium Hotel

Hotels allotted for Jets Crew:

Al- Seef Hotel

Gloria Hotel

Movenpick Hotel

Hotels allotted for Business Sector :

Farij Sharq Hotel

Mariott Hotel

For more information concerning accommodation; latest dates for registration and other details, please visit the following web site:

<<www.qatar-conferences.org>>


4/2- Transportation:

General Information:

The government of the State of Qatar shall organize process of transport in order to secure attendance of all participants to specified venues for different activities listed in the program of the official meetings. A special vehicle will be allotted for each head of State and Government, ministers and heads of delegations and organizations. Such vehicles will be available for their disposal from the time of their arrival in Qatar until their departure. The State of Qatar will cover the cost of transportation of heads of delegations as per the following modalities:

One vehicle for the Head of State of Government- one vehicle for a Minister – one vehicle for security.

One vehicle for the Prime Minister – 2 vehicles for a Minister - one vehicle for security+one for accompanying security+ 5vehicles for the official delegation+5 vehicles for the accompanying delegation.

One vehicle for the Minister – one vehicle for security.

One vehicle for the head of an organization+one security vehicle.

One vehicle for an undersecretary or an ambassador.

Transportation of the participants:

There will be 140 Limousine cars and 80 buses allotted for reception of the members of the participating delegations. Buses will be used for transport of the members of the delegations to attend the events of the official program of the meetings, and to shuttle between the hotels and the Conferences Center.

Transportation of Journalist & Media Persons:

Transportation service for media persons from their hotels to the Media Center at the venue of the Summit Meeting will be provided, in order to enable them to cover the official events of the Summit. A fleet of(50)fifty vans and(5) five buses wil ply and shuttle between the hotels and the Conferences’ Center, during theofficial events of the summit and throughout of the period of the meeting.

For further information concerning transportation please visit the following websites:

<<www.qatar-conference.org>> Permanent Committee for Organizing Conference << www.arableagueonline.org>> Arab Leage


4/3- Escorts & Liaison Officers:

Military Escorts:

The government of the state of Qatar will appoint official military escorts of different ranks from Qatar

Military Armed Forces, for the heads of delegations. They will escort the heads of State and Government

throughout of their stay in the State of Qatar. They will be responsible for coordination of programs,

gatherings, and the movements of the heads of State and Government.

Diplomatic Escorts:

The government of the State of Qatar will appoint a diplomatic escort for each head of a delegation

participating in the summit. The diplomatic escorts are employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

other governmental bodies, who will escort the heads of delegations throughout of the official program

of the conference. They will be in charge of providing solutions for all the issues and for fulfillment of all

desires of the heads of delegations from all departments of the government.

Civilian Escorts and Volunteers:

A group of civilian and volunteer employees are assigned to serve the delegations and facilitate their

mobility, residence, and departure of members of delegations, or escorts, or security men or the crew of

their jets.

Liaison Officers:

Each participating country in the meetings, which has an embassy, accredited to the State of Qatar shall appoint a reciprocal communication employee, to work with the Protocol Committee of the meetings and to act as a permanent coordinator prior to the convention of the meeting via Arab League in Cairo.


Diplomatic missions of the Arab League member states and South American Countries must furnish the National Organizing Committee of the Summit, with the names of two persons in the permanent delegation of their respective countries to the Arab League in Cairo, or two persons from their embassies in Qatar, as well as with the means of communication, including fax, telephone, E-mail. The two persons must be either from the concerned embassy in Qatar, or from their permanent delegation in Cairo, and shall be responsible for the passports and luggage arriving on board of private flights of the heads of Stateand Government. In case of the Arab League member states and the Southern American Countries, which do not have diplomatic representations in Qatar, the Organizing Committee will appoint a work group to take the charge of passports and luggage of delegations of these countries.

Notice:

For further information, please visit the following websites:

HYPERLINK “http://www.mofa.gov.qa/” www.qatar-conferences.org

5 - Security


5/1 General Information:

As part of its preparations to host the Arab League and South American Countries Summit Meeting. The Government of the State of Qatar has assigned the Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Force (Lekhweya) with responsibility to ensure the security of the heads of State and Government, as well as the security of all participants of the meeting. The required security arrangements will be carried out from time of arrival of the delegations and will remain in effect throughout of the conference. The heads of State and Government will be provided protection during the events and programs of the conference; at their residence; during their transportation and during their activities of special concern of their respective delegations.

There will be coordination on protection issues with the vanguard delegations, on details and security requirements of heads of State and Government, from November 1st to March 10, 2009.

5/2 Corteges and Protection:Vehicles allotted for security are:

For Heads of State or Government:

One car will be allotted for the security personnel escorting the heads of State or Government and one (1) car for the national security.

Minister (Head of a delegation):

One (1) car for the escorting security personnel,

Places of Accommodation:

Security will be ensured at the residence places through control of entry posts and by ensuring non entry permission to persons and vehicles not authorized and holding gate passes.

Special trained task forces will inspect all the hotels and their rooms as well as ensuring safety of luggage, gifts and other things before delivery to heads of State, Government or of a delegation.

A control police check post will be erected near the Conferences’ Center to cater all services for the conference.


Doha International Airport:

Heads of State and Government will be accorded reception at Doha International Airport. The Security of persons and their aircrafts is maintained by monitoring the entrances of the region by use of inspection system of identification papers and documents.

It will be permitted for the vehicles of the heads of State and Government, the Vanguard Group and their luggage to enter to the interior areas of the airport.

Police officers from the Ministry of Interior will, in coordination with Protocol and Ceremonies Committeein the Organizing Committee, be charged with the responsibility of dealing with documents and procedures pertaining to arrival and departure of delegations to and from Qatar.

There will be coordination with Security Committee of the Summit and with Custom Office in Qatar,which are assigned the task of entry of communication systems into Qatar. They are also tasked with import of any matter required by the participating delegations.

Qatar International Conferences Center:

Admission to Summit Meeting hall (Dafna) will be confined only to those who bear summit’s officialdelegation badges. Badges will define the number of member delegates, who are entitled to enter theSummit Hall (1+5), or as per the number of members of official delegations with less representation. Theywill be handed over golden badges for head of states and silver badges for the official delegations inaddition to the official delegation badges.

Other Procedures:

The Ministry of Interior will be responsible for application of procedures and measurements that ensure safety of VIP and other participants at all places considered as part of the official program and also at areasof activities of the heads of State and Government.

Security of transport:

Protection is accorded to heads of State, Government and of delegations through security systems of the Emiri Guard and Ministry of Interior and of the Internal Security Forces (Lekhweya).


5/3 Security of the Conference and the Hotels:Entry of Security Personnel, firearms and communications, security and detection equipments intoQatar:

Security personnel arriving to Qatar on appointed dates must submit application forms for their accreditation. If necessary they must submit to the authorities in the State of Qatar and to the Arab League, duly filled application forms for permission to carry their fire arms and ammunitions (forms areattached).

Persons who apply for possession of firearms and ammunitions will have their firearms identified andmarked on their passports to authenticate their licenses.

Weapons:

Only pistols with maximum ammunition will be permitted. To obtain the necessary licenses to bear arms, application forms for carrying firearms must be filled along with a list indicating the name of the securitypersonnel, who will bear the firearm; the type of the firearm, its trademark, country of origin, the size of itsbarrel, amount of ammunition and the ammunition belts. It will be permitted for only one security escort to enter the Summit Meeting Hall without a firearm.

Communication Equipments:

Delegations will be allowed to bring into Qatar portable and fixed systems of radio receivers and mobilebroadcast boosters. Details of such equipment must be indicated in the attached license application forms. To obtain license for use of operational frequencies of UHF and VHF decision will be taken and related to delegations, defining the range and extent of operation frequencies, through their respective embassies orat the meeting to be held with the vanguard delegations.

Protection and Detection Equipment:

License must be obtained from Qatari security authorities for import of protection and detection instruments to Qatar, such as hand devices for detection of explosives. Details of such devices must be entered in the list of firearms and other related security equipment, which require prior permission from the securityauthorities in Qatar.


Luggage:

Luggage brought by heads of State and Government will be under protection of officers of Ministry ofInterior, during transport from the airport to the residence place and from the residence place to the airport.

Conferences’ Center:

The security within the Center of Conferences will be the responsibility and competence of the security personnel of the Arab League and South American Countries.

5/4 Accreditation and Badges:Badges issuing Office for Official Delegations:

The National Organizing Committee of the Summit will, in collaboration with the Protocol Section of the Arab League, open an office for issuing badges for the official delegations of all participants,at the car park of the Conferences’ Center for accreditation of delegations and for issue of badges w. e. f. March 22, 2009.

This office aims to facilitate full knowledge of the identity of the participants for this reason the office founda comprehensive system of badges covering the security aspects, so as to ensure maximum protection of the official delegations. The badges are private and nontransferable and must be clearly shown throughoutof the events in the meeting halls, in the Conferences’ Center and at checking posts and gates. Special badges for access to general discussions and meetings halls will also be issued.

Location and Access to the Summit Meetings Venues:

Details of entry the Meetings Hall will be found on the following website: www.qatar-conferences.org

Application forms for Registration for Issue of Badges for Official delegations:

The Arab League Office for Issuing Badges for Official delegations will start issuing the badges for theparticipants of the Summit meeting once it receives duly filled application forms as indicated (attached),from embassies of the Arab League member states and South American Countries, which have diplomatic missions in Qatar. Same procedure will be carried out by the Arab League member countries, which have


no diplomatic missions in Doha, through their Permanent Representatives to the Arab League or through Qatar Embassy in Cairo, or even through Qatar embassies accredited to their respective countries.

Application forms for issue of badges must be submitted before March-15, 2009.

Notice :

Badges for members of delegations can be issued at the time of arrival to Doha from the Badges Issuing Office at the car parking of Doha Sheraton Hotel. Application forms must be accompanied with twophotographs of size 2X2 cm, one of which must be glued to the application form and the other must bear on its back the full name of the applicants.

Embassies of the Arab League member states and South American Countries accredited to Doha must submit dully filled application forms(attached)along with personal details of the participants to the ProtocolCommittee, which is responsible for reception procedures accorded to the heads of State and Government and of delegation at Doha International Airport, and also responsible for badges up to four officials. TheCommittee also will issue up to four (4) Badges for officials (including ambassadors accredited to Qatar).The Committee will also assume the responsibility of customs, passports and luggage procedures. Issue of Badges will be based on this information.

As for Arab League member states and South American Countries, which do not have diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Qatar, a support group will be formed to work along with Qatari officers tosupervise the above mentioned procedures in order to issue badges for such countries. It is advised that applicants from such countries must collect their badges before 15 March 2009

Application forms for National and Foreign Press:

Members of foreign press accredited to work in Qatar and those who will temporarily be present in Doha during the Summit Meeting, must submit duly filled specific application forms, along with twophotographs of 2X2 cm size to media office of the Arab League.

Applications forms of the national press will be approved by Qatar News agency (QNA) by the same above mentioned procedures followed in case of foreign press.


The data contained in these forms will also be accessible from the following website:

www. qatar-conference.org www.arableagueonline.org

It is advised that badges are delivered before March 10, 2009

Distinguished Badges:

Distinguished badges are worn only by the heads of delegation. Such badges are issued to them on their arrival to their residency.

Badges of Delegations:

Participants shall, with the exception, of heads of States and Governments, wear the badges of delegations, which shall indicate their respective categories (See attached application form) and only thus they can have access to places designated to their categories.

Badges for access to the official residence of a head of State or Government are issued to all members ofhis delegation.

Badges for participation in the Summit Meeting are issued to all members of delegations.

Distinction of Vehicles:

Vehicles used during the Summit Meeting are distinguished as follows:

Vehicles of heads of State and Government shall be Mercedes cars, bearing flags of the respectivecountries.

Cars shall be for ministers accompanying the heads of States and Governments, in addition to

Security cars of heads (heads of the delegation).

Vehicles for transport of the members of the delegations will have the countries’ flags fixed to them, intotal of 140 cars. They will ply in shuttling to and fro the sites of events and residences.


Mini vans will be allotted for transport of media persons and journalists.

Buses will be allotted for transport of members of delegations who shall participate in the conference. There will be (80) buses available for their transportation. Buses will shuttle between hotels and the Center of Conferences.

Details of vehicles are obtainable from the following websites:

www. qatar-conference.org www.arableagueonline.org

6 - Media & Press


6/1- Media Centre:A media centre will be set up in the lobby of Al-Majlis Hall at Conferences Center, 50 meters away from the main hall, namely, Al-Dafna Hall, where the Summit Meetings sessions will be held.

This media centre will consist of the official Qatar Radio and Qatar TV Studios. It is possible to view thebroadcasting via screens at news room, offices of news agencies, radio and TV studios, in addition to thespecial internal-circuit channel of the meeting. The common main activities and some other important activities will be covered by TV broadcasting.

6/2- Registration of Press Members:To secure journalistic coverage of the meeting, members of the press are requested to fill the applicationforms for accreditation (attached). Official letter from the media organ to which the applicant belongs, orwhich assigned him, along with two 2X2 cm photos must be enclosed along with the application forms. Such accreditation is subject to laws in effect in the State of Qatar.

Application forms are to be sent to Media Committee or directly by fax:

Fax No: +974- 4847788 (or) 4325888

Or from the web site: <<www.qatar-conference.org>>

Accredited representatives of the press are to produce their accreditation papers where/whenever there is a need, since they have the right to access to the Media Centre and the Summit Meeting during the working hours in order to cover the activities of the Conference.

Access to Doha Sheraton Hotel will be limited and will be permitted only, according to the nature of the coverage of the activities held in the Hotel. More information on this regard will be provided later on.

The Media Committee will also provide the official representatives of press with ID cards, that allow themto attend all activities and to be in company of the heads of State and Government they belong to.

Their bags, equipments and belongings are subject to security checks before entering the venues of the meeting.


Distribution of Accreditation Papers:

Accreditation Papers and special ID cards of the journalists will be issued by the Media Committee, to those who have connection with the Media Centre via Arab League Media Committee.

Accommodation:

The Organizing Committee will issue a list of names of Hotels recommended for the residence of the journalists and media persons. Journalists who opt to reserve at Hotels must follow the instructions stated in the chapter of accommodation. Conference Center car park can be used by journalists who would like to use their private cars provided that they obtain permissions from the Media Committee.

6/3- TV Broadcasting & Communications:The General News Hall:

Personal working terminals that are furnished with phones, fax machines, computer connections, internet and other technical services will be provided by the zone designated for written press journalists. In addition to this, such working terminals will be supplied with personal computers with access to local web internet and printers.

Access to web for local and international calls will be availed through use of a card system activated by a pin code, by use of prepaid cards supplied to Media center by Qatar Telecommunications Co. QTel.

The News Room shall provide the following services:

- Sending and receiving faxes via the system of PIN number which is used for phone basic services

- Sending photographs.

- Public phone boxes that work with cards supplied by QTel and its agencies.

- Photocopying services.


- News Room will be provided with screens in connection with internal circuit for the sake of televised coverage of events and with the main TV networks

- There will be designated areas provided with the necessary services for participating delegations for radio and TV coverage

General Information:

- Qatar Radio and Television Corporation shall offer all technical services and reservations for areas of radio and TV in the Media Center.

- Media Centre shall be provided with rooms for press conferences.

- A special location will be reserved for TV studios and for interviews.

Financial cost of participating International Channels will be charged fully or partly.

7 - Health Services


7/1- Emergency Preparedness:

To deal with any emergency, may such will not be willed, the following arrangements will be taken:

- There will be coordination with Causalities Committee at Hamad Medical Corporation and

with the Medical Committee in this regard.

- Special rooms at hospitals will be reserved for the hospitalization of urgent cases of delegates

and visitors, and some other rooms will be reserved for VIP.

- Emergencies and Causalities Department and Medical Ambulance Services will be fully

mobilized during the time of the meetings.

7/2- Medical and First Aid Services:

1-Medical Clinics:

Medical clinics will be open around the clock at all resident palaces of the delegates and a clinic at the

Conference Centre (during the sessions of the meetings), at Doha Sheraton Hotel.

The arrangements of each clinic will be as follows:

* Each clinic shall have a physician and a nurse and will be equipped as follows:

- A physician and a nurse will be available round the clock.

- An ambulance with two first-aid staff will be available round the clock, in front of each residentlocation of the Conference.

- Required drugs will be supplied from the stores of the Ministry of Health and Hamad Medical Corporation.


2- Ambulances:

The followings will be ambulances will be provided:

- A fully equipped ambulance at the airport with a consultant physician during the arrival of delegations.

- An escort ambulance will accompany the presidential corteges on the way from airport to the residence place and to Conferences Center.

- An ambulance in front of each presidential and other residential location of the delegations.

- An ambulance at the Conferences Centre with a consultant physician, equipped with all necessary requirements of attending round the clock, all emergency cases.

- Ambulance telephone number is 999.

- casualties of Hamad General Hospital: 4392111.

8 - Computer & Information Services


Conference Centre (Summit Meeting Venue):

Works Center:

A works center will be fully equipped in the premises of discussions hall, and will be provided with

internet, means of international communications and secretariat services.

Rent of Cellular (Mobile) Phones:

Qtel is the sole company that provides mobile telephones in Qatar. Qtel provides its customers best and

high quality communication services. It will open an office in the lobby of Conference Hall.

In case you want to have cellular phone service during the time of the conference, just call Qtel or any

appointed agent for selling personal phones and cards at the main venue of the meetings.

Among these agents are:

To avail mobile phone services in Qatar, you can use your private mobile phone as long as it works

according to the GSM global Standards.

N.B. For more information, please visit: HYPERLINK

“http://www.qtel.com.qa”

9 - Layouts of Summit Meetings Venue & Annexes


Layout of Al Dafna Hall


Layout of Summit Venue (Salwa Hall)


Layout of Summit Venue (1) (Salwa Hall)


Layout of Summit Venue Al Maha Hall

10 - Forms & Samples of Application for Offical Requests



APPLICATION FORM FOR ACCREDITATION

This form may be photocopied if needed:Please clearly fill in all sections and type:Attach a copy of your passport or ID card and glue your 2x2 coloured photo.

First Name : Family Name :Male : Female :Date of Place of Birth :Nationality :

Category put Mark.Head of the delegation: Chief Security:Minister of Foreign Affairs : Chief of Protocol :V.I.P. Security: Delegation: Executive Secretary :Invited guest : Assistant: :Preparatory Committee:

Tel: Fax: Title : Country / International organizationPassport No: Date & place of Issue :

Date : / /2009

Signature : To be sent before March 10th, 2009 Registration & accreditation Office Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 – 4334629 Fax: +974 – 4363422



APPLICATION FORM FOR REGISTERATION OF OFFICIAL DELEGATIONS

This form may be photocopied if needed:Please clearly fill in all sections and type:Attach a copy of your passport or ID card and glue your 2x2 coloured photo.

First Name : Family Name :Male : Female :Date of Place of Birth :Nationality :

Category put Mark.Head of the delegation: Chief Security:Minister of Foreign Affairs : Chief of Protocol :V.I.P. Security: Delegation: Executive Secretary :Invited guest : Assistant: :Preparatory Committee:

Tel: Fax: Title : Country / International organizationPassport No: Date & place of Issue :

Date : / /2009

Signature : To be sent before March 10th, 2009 Registration & accreditation Office Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 – 4334629 Fax: +974 – 4363422



VISA APPLICATION FORM FOR OFFICIAL DELEGATIONS

Family Name :

First Name :

Date of Birth : Place of Birth : SexNationality : Male Female

Name of the Airline : Arrival Flight No. :

Passport No. : Date of Issue : Place of Issue

Permanent Address : Tel. No. :Address in Qatar : Tel. No. :

Official Dept. in Qatar : Tel. No. :Address Fax No. :

Designation and Capacity: Head of Delegation Minister of Foreign Affairs Senior OfficerMember of delegation Protocol for Head of Delegation Security

Date of last visit to th�

Expected date of Arrival: ...�

Expected date of Departure:�



VISA & REGISTERATION APPLICATION FORM FOR MEDIA PERSONS AND

JOUNALISTS

Family Name :

First Name :

Date of Birth : Place of Birth : SexNationality : Male Female

Name of the Airline : Arrival Flight No. :

Passport No. : Date of Issue : Place of Issue

Permanent Address : Tel. No. :Address in Qatar : Tel. No. :

Official Dept. in Qatar : Tel. No. :Address Fax No. :

Designation and Capacity: Official Press TV Cameraman News ReaderVisual Press Photographer Other

Date of last visit to th�

Expected date of Arrival: ...�

Expected date of Departure:�



FLIGHTS APPLICATION FOR (Private Planes)

Country: ......................................�

Type of Plane: .............................�

Number of Crew:........................�

Number of Passengers: .............�

Flight Route:................................�

Type of Fuel:................................�

Fuel Reserve Capacity: .............�

Service Required at landing: ....�

Date of Arrival: ............................................................................ Time : .................................................................

Date of Departure : ...................................................................... Time : .................................................................

Destination: ................................�

OTHER INFORMATION

Person responsib�

Title / Designation : .................�

Date : ...........................................�

Signature : ..................................�



MEDICAL RECORD (All furnished information are considered confidential)

No of Medical Record:

Country:

First Name:

Family Name:

Date of Birth:

Blood Group:

Residence during the South Summit:

1. History of health problems (Mark X) in the appropriate box giving details:

Hypertension ( )

Hypotension. ( )

Sebaceous glands ( )

Heart attack ( )

Angina ( )

Bronchial pneumonia/ asthma ( )

Cardiac disease ( ) Indicate.

Hypercholesterolemia ( )

Stroke ( )

Brain Ischemic ( )

Chronic Pulmonary disease ( ) Indicate.

Epilepsy ( )

Any other neurological or nervous disorders ( ) Indicate.


Ear, Nose and eye diseases ( ) Indicate.

Diabetic ( ) do you use insulin?

Drug allergy ( ) which drug (s)

Food allergy ( ) which food (s)

Hepatitis ( ) No. of reoccurrences

Other liver diseases ( ) indicate.

Gastro intestinal diseases ( ) indicate.

Surgeries ( ) Type (s)

Blood vessels disorders ( ) indicate.

Gall bladder stone ( )

Renal (Kidney stones) ( )

Kidney, renal and prostate problems ( ) indicate.

Gynecological disease ( )

Anemia ( )

Abnormal bleeding ( )

Artery incompetence ( )

Varicose vein ( )

Thyroid glands disorders ( )

HIV / AIDS ( ) since when?

Other diseases ( )

2 . Harmful habits Do you smoke? ..................................................................

Do you drink alcohol? ......................................................

Daily ( )

Sometimes ( )


3. Regular medicine intake:

No. Medicine Dose No. of Time Always Sometimes1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

4 . Are you manned by medical team Yes No.

Family Name and First Name : ................................................... Residence Place : ............................



FIREARMS DECLARATION Security Supervision

Photocopy this form if needed ( Please Type)

Country :

First Name :

Family Name :

Passport No. : Issued by : Place of Issue :

Shots magazine : Serial No. : Firearm :

Ammunition : Mark /Make. : Calibre :

Responsible Person, who furnished the given information

Title / Designation :

Date :

Signature :



SYSTEMS’ FREQUENCIES DECLARATION

This application form is designed to provide information about radio communication uses by the delegations:

Country :

Type of equipments:

Operates with re-transmitter: Yes No

Voltage: Areas where frequency is needed

No. of operations :

No. of Mobile radios :

Period of use :

Place of use :

Other related information :

Responsible person, who furnished the given information

Title / Designation : Signature:

Date :

Telephone :

Fax :


1 - Any who wants to participate must submit the followings:

- Submission of the application form along with the required information.

- An official letter from the working place signed by the authorities in the working place.

2 - Three recent photographs of 2x2 cm size.

3 - A list of the equipments he wants to bring to Qatar for the media purposes.

B.N.: Delay in submission of the application form or the other documents may lead to delay in registration.

* Applications to be Sent to Media Committee:

Fax : +974 4867453 / 4435687

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