That there are strong ties between the Arab world and the countries of South America ought not to be surprising. Many Arab families have settled in South America. One state, Argentina has even had a president, Carlos Menem, whose parents came originally from Syria. More than that, all countries of the continent were once ruled by Spain and Portugal which had learned and inherited much from the long and prosperous Arab rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
Thus in this respect, the summit of the Arab-South American Countries (ASPA) held this week in Riyadh was a reaffirmation of historic ties. But it was of course about a great deal more. Pressing issues, including terrorism, the interference of outside states and economic downturn were to the fore. This is the fourth ASPA summit. Held every three years, the first gathering was hosted by Brazil in 2005. It has since been held in Qatar and Peru.
The ASPA summits assemble at the highest levels members of two important global blocs — the Arab League and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). Each is dedicated to fostering economic and political cooperation. In a world order still dominated by Europe and North America, the coming together of these two international bodies has particular resonance.
Twenty-two Arab and 12 South American states were in Riyadh to review a challenging global agenda. The international significance of the gathering was underscored by the presence of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This demonstrates that the voices of the Arab world and South America are now being heard. Even more crucially, the international community is listening carefully to what they say.
In his welcome address, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman set out some of the key issues the Kingdom’s guests would be addressing. These included the settlement of regional disputes and the combating of terrorism throughout the globe. 
He also signaled closer economic cooperation between ASPA member countries. Among these was the joint business council. This plan was later adopted unanimously by the meeting. It is clearly the moment for such a council. Trade between the Arab world and South America has been growing strongly over the last decade. In 2005 the figure was $13.7 billion. This year it is slated to have grown by 183 percent to $34.8 billion. It shows every sign of continuing to increase. 
One way to underpin that growth will be, as the king said, to put in place double-taxation agreements. For businesses engaged in commerce, the ability to avoid double taxation is obvious. But the real impact is likely to be felt in investment. The long-term exchange of capital, technology and best practice will be of great benefit to all ASPA states. 
This grouping also has important political and security agendas. The geographical separation between the Arab world and South America has the paradoxical effect of bringing the two closer together. There are no disputes that divide them. Meanwhile, there are many issues, not least of them Palestine, where there has long been agreement. 
Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir underlined this in the course of this week’s summit. He said that South American countries had always supported Arab causes. On Palestine, he said, the stance had been positive. Al-Jubeir hoped that South American countries would broaden international acceptance of Palestinian sovereignty by recognizing the State of Palestine. They had joined the Arab League in condemning Israeli state terrorism in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. Al-Jubeir pressed the UN to discharge its responsibility toward the Palestinians by providing UN protection. However, in the long-run Palestinian settlement was, he said, the key to peace in the Middle East.
Al-Jubeir also warned about the interference of Iran in the affairs of its neighbors. He described Iran as friendless and therefore in a weak international position. Both the Arab League and UNASUR subscribe to the principle of non-interference in the affairs of other states. The ASPA summit thus served to highlight Iran’s isolation.
Overall, this was a most successful meeting with highly positive outcomes. It is interesting to consider how the world will look in three years’ time when ASPA leaders gather again. Led by Brazil, South American economies have underlying strength, despite short-term issues. Led by Saudi Arabia, Arab League economies are also confronting economic challenges. The furtherance of economic ties with ASPA is bound to help cope with economic headwinds.

Source : Arab News