Khattabi Calls for “Courageous Dialogue” With the West at International Forum

Arab League Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication Ahmed Rashid Khattabi urged a “courageous and credible dialogue” between the Arab world and the West, stressing that meaningful engagement must be rooted in mutual trust and respect.

Speaking at the opening session of the Arab International Media Dialogue Forum, Khattabi praised Libya’s hospitality and said the event supports the implementation of the Arab Media Strategy focused on the Palestinian cause, combating extremism, and promoting Arab identity.

Khattabi warned against “dialogue built on superiority and prejudice,” adding that denying differences is often more complex than managing them. He highlighted the Arab world’s historical legacy of coexistence, including the Andalusian model, as a foundation for renewed intercultural dialogue free of “orientalist stereotypes.”

He emphasized the essential role of media and digital platforms in presenting a modern, accurate image of Arab societies, particularly amid global solidarity with Palestine and ongoing humanitarian consequences of the war in Gaza.

Khattabi also noted that the Arab League has been a member of the UN Alliance of Civilizations’ Group of Friends for over two decades and is developing a unified strategy for 2026–2031 to promote peace, tolerance, and sustainable development.