The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States represented by Her Excellency Ambassador, Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary General, Head of Social Affairs Sector, signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the International Organization for Migration, represented by Ms. Carmela Godeau, Regional Director for IOM Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, on Monday, January 20, 2020 at the headquarters of the General Secretariat League of Arab States in Cairo, Egypt.

The update of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties in 2000 aims to keep up with various changes and developments, whether at the regional or international level. Today’s signature reflects the commitment of the two parties to strengthen and enhance mutual cooperation in dealing with migration issues, taking into consideration the interests and protection of migrants, as well as working to value the existing cooperation between the Arab League and the International Organization for Migration

The League of Arab States is working hard to support joint Arab action in the field of migration, and to enhance cooperation with all relevant regional and international bodies through its various mechanisms. The International Organization for Migration is committed to working with its partners, such as the League of Arab States, to support States in meeting the goals of the 2030 Agenda during the Decade of Action.  

On this occasion, Her Excellency Ambassador, Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh emphasized that “Migration is a very important topic for the League of Arab States, for which we were keen to have a specialized department, the Refugees, Expatriates & Migration Affairs department. We look very much forward to continued cooperation with the International Organization for Migration”.  Mrs. Carmela Godeau stated she is “happy and proud to sign our second MoU with the League of Arab States noting she was equally present “twenty years ago for the signature of the first agreement. She highlighted that “this is a proof that our cooperation is only getting stronger,” and that IOM will continue to work with the League of Arab States to enhance the efforts deployed by Arab states to advance migration governance in the region”.