Euro-Arab dialogue

This file concerns the Euro-Arab Dialogue (EAD). The EAD was a forum shared by the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Arab League. This file contains arrangements for meetings, minutes of meetings, correspondence and memoranda relating to:

• A draft of the opening speech, which will be given at the General Committee meeting at Tunis, Tunisia. It includes reference to the living and working conditions of migrant workers; the EEC’s willingness to offer a financial contribution to help get cooperative projects off the ground; the vital role of Arab oil and Arab investments in the economies of Western Europe; the transfer of European technology; the development aid and technical assistance given by the nine members of the EEC to the Arab world; the situation in Lebanon; and the Arab-Israeli dispute
• The EAD’s future work
• The Arab League’s wish for the EEC to help the new US administration understand the realities of the Middle East question
• The Arab League’s desire for a Political Working Committee to be established under the EAD
• The question of how much money the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) would be willing to contribute towards the work of the EAD
• Saudi Arabia and Kuwait’s reluctance to help finance the EAD’s activities
• Afro-Arab cooperation
• The financial risks of inflation and currency fluctuations encountered by Arab assets in the EEC
• Training opportunities available in Europe
• The question of whether the EEC should offer to discuss ‘non Middle East political topics’ with the Arab League at Tunis
• Background information on the EAD’s formation
• Israel’s attitude towards the EAD.