Why is it in the news?
→ External Affairs Minister met foreign ministers of five Arab League members to discuss West Asia ties and regional situation.
Category: IR
Important Points
- Regional organization of Arab states in the Middle East and parts of Africa.
- Formed on 22 March 1945 in Cairo.
- Founding members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan (Jordan), Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria; Yemen joined on 5 May 1945.
- Currently has 22 member states.
- Headquarters located in Cairo, Egypt.
- Aims to strengthen ties, coordinate policies, and promote common good.
- The highest body is the Council with representatives from each state.
- Decisions by majority, binding only on states voting in favour.
- The General Secretariat manages daily operations.
- Secretary-General appointed every five years by Council.
- Observer members include Brazil, Eritrea, India, and Venezuela.