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Diplomats say cooperation is the only solution given the challenges the region has experienced over the past decade
Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Foreign Adviser to the UAE President, said the UAE’s focus is on building bridges and promoting dialogue in the region. Addressing the changing views of the Middle East at the Arab Media Forum 2022, he highlighted how the country is fighting for stability in the region.
“Through the Abraham Accords and our dialogue with Iran and Turkey, we hope to improve friendly relations between all countries in the region,” he said. “We want stability, prosperity and growth. This prosperity and growth should be region-wide. This is only possible through bilateral relations.”
In September 2020, the UAE and Israel signed the Abraham Accords, a historic normalization agreement that has since transformed the region and led to cooperation between the two countries on multiple levels. Earlier this year, the UAE and Iran resumed diplomatic relations. Likewise, the UAE has restored ties with Turkey, which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited in February after nearly a decade.
Regional relations
Dr. Gargash said the UAE’s move to improve regional relations has been welcomed by all parties.
“Based on all metrics, Turkey, Israel and Iran welcome the partnership we are working towards,” he said. “This relationship creates new opportunities in all areas. However, we are not naive. We know that each country has its own priorities. Our agenda is to build partnerships.”
Dr Gargash also acknowledged that the UAE does not agree with all of its partners’ policies.
“We have differences with Iran on regional policy,” he said. “But there is only one path for us, and that is to build good relationships, improve dialogue, build partnerships so that there is growth and stability in the region. I firmly believe that we must move away from judging each country’s system. We’ must respect their laws and order.
Dr Gargash further elaborated that considering the challenges the region has experienced over the past decade, it is futile to think of any solution other than collaboration.
“The Arab Spring and the Covid-19 pandemic are just some of the problems we face,” he said. “We can’t spend another 10 or 20 years fighting over our differences. If we choose something like war, the region will pay the price. Dialogue is cheaper and more effective than war. We have to find partnership , we must insist on holding each other accountable.”
UAE position on Russia-Ukraine crisis
“We voted against war,” Dr Gargash said of the country’s vote on the U.S.- and Albania-led UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s announced annexation of parts of Ukraine. The UAE voted in favour of the resolution, which was ultimately vetoed by Russia.
“It’s a difficult position,” he said. “However, the truth is that this war is suffering all over the world. It brings challenges such as inflation, food security and energy scarcity. We firmly believe that there must be a political solution that can be reached. Through dialogue.”
focus on the economy
With all the challenges the world faces, the UAE’s focus has always been on improving its economy.
“As a region that has faced many challenges over the past decade, our priority has always been our economy,” Dr Gargash said. “The UAE has become one of the countries with a population of 10 million and a GDP of over 350 billion. This is no small thing.”
Dr Gargash further spoke about the UAE’s ongoing search for ways to diversify its economy.
“It’s not enough to rely on traditional economic contributors,” he said. “As a country, we are constantly working to find new resources to contribute to the economy.”
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