Cairo, Oct. 5 (Petra) -- Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said water and food security are an integral part of comprehensive Arab national security, and that water and food must not be used as tools of war or political pressure.

Fahmy underscored that Arab water rights are a matter of sovereignty and security, and also an area for cooperation that serves shared interests.

He spoke at the launch of the 14th Arab Report on Cultural Development, issued by the Arab Thought Foundation under the title "Arab Food and Water Security: Accumulated Crises and Promising Initiatives." The League's General Secretariat hosted the event at its headquarters in Cairo.

Fahmy stressed the need to move from managing crises after they occur to anticipating and preparing for them. He explained that the General Secretariat is developing an Arab early warning and foresight system that links water, food and climate security indicators to political, economic, social and security dimensions.

He noted that Arab integration in this field has become a practical necessity. He underlined that it requires drawing on the diverse capabilities and expertise of Arab states and building a joint Arab capacity that is better prepared and more effective in confronting risks and challenges.

Fahmy concluded his speech by stressing that the event should not end with the report's launch. He said it should serve as a starting point for turning the report's ideas and recommendations into practical proposals that support joint Arab action institutions and mechanisms.

//Petra// NQ