Abdel Halim Khaddam played a significant role during the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1973-1974. As the Syrian Foreign Minister at the time, he was actively involved in diplomatic efforts and negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict and achieving the goals of the Arab nations.
Khaddam’s efforts can be seen in his participation in various international forums and meetings where he represented Syria and advocated for the Arab cause. He worked diligently to convey the grievances of the Arab world and the injustices inflicted upon the Palestinian people by Israel.
One of the key moments during this period was the Arab Summit Conference held in Algiers on October 26, 1973. Khaddam attended the summit alongside Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and other Arab leaders. During the conference, he contributed to the discussions and decisions made, emphasizing that a ceasefire was not sufficient and that true peace could only be achieved through Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and the restoration of the rights of the Palestinian people. Khaddam also advocated for the representation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate voice of the Palestinian people in any peace negotiations.
Following the Arab Summit Conference, Khaddam embarked on diplomatic missions to various countries to garner support for the Arab cause and raise awareness about the Arab-Israeli conflict. He traveled to Japan and the Philippines, where he held meetings with high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Kakue Tanaka. During these meetings, Khaddam presented the Arab perspective on the conflict, highlighting the dangers posed by Israel’s defiance of international decisions and the need for the liberation of the occupied territories.
Through his diplomatic efforts, Abdel Halim Khaddam sought to mobilize international support for the Arab nations and raise awareness about the injustices committed by Israel. His role as a representative of Syria and as a key figure in Arab foreign policy contributed to shaping the discourse surrounding the conflict and ensuring that the Arab position was heard on the global stage.