In coordination between the Ministry of International Cooperation and the Council of Arab Economic Unity, with its permanent headquarters in Cairo, the Arab Court of Arbitration was successfully inaugurated during the council’s 111th session that took place on June 10. Through this session, the council has approved the Arab Court of Arbitration’s joining the scope of the Arab Economic Unity as an independent Arab entity, for the court to assume its role soon. The Arab Court of Arbitration focuses on settling economic, trade and investment disputes through arbitration between investors and countries. This is in addition to settling disputes between different countries, and conflicts between stakeholders of the private sector. The Arab Court of Arbitration is an independent Arab entity that has all the privileges that guarantee the independence of carrying out its functions, in a way that supports growth of trade, economy, and investment among Arab countries. In addition to settling disputes, the court aims to develop fields of arbitration, and to enhance the provision of several services; one of which is the establishment of an International Mediation and Arbitration Academy to develop the cadre of international arbitrators, as well as the establishment of an integrated library specialized in arbitration, and enhancing international trade arbitration across the region. The academy shall be the inauguration of an arbitration training center designed to hold training courses that cover legal and technical aspects, and facilitate resolving disputes. The Arab Court of Arbitration’s headquarters is located in Cairo, Egypt, where other branches might open in Arab countries as well. The court’s Board of Trustees is chaired by Counselor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek, the Egyptian Senate’s President and former President of the Constitutional Court; and Counselor Farouk Sultan, former President of the Supreme Constitutional Court. The Arab Court of Arbitration also encompasses a group of judicial and legal figures, public figures, and the most influential public figures of the region. For her part, the Minister of International Cooperation H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, and Egypt’s permanent representative to the Council of Arab Economic Unity, said that the inauguration of the Arab Court of Arbitration comes within the framework of the joint cooperation with the Council of Arab Economic Unity that aims to achieve Arab economic integration through trade and investment by facilitating intra-trade relations among Arab countries. The Minister emphasized that the Arab Court of Arbitration will play a key, vital role in developing joint Arab action on the economic and trade levels, and will contribute in overcoming challenges and disputes. On another note, H.E. Al-Mashat further elaborated that the Council of Arab Economic Unity shall work to develop its mechanisms and objectives to fully restore its governance and achieve its objectives efficiently. The Council of Arab Economic Unity was initially established as a specialized Arab regional organization in 1964 with its permanent headquarters in Cairo. In accordance with Article 3 of the council, it aims to organize and consolidate economic relations between Arab countries based on compatibility through natural and historical ties. The council also aims to secure the best conditions for economic prosperity. The importance of these efforts lies in the need to strengthen economic unity among Arab countries by creating economic integration and by supporting countries in facing economic challenges regionally and internationally.