UAE angered by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s ‘jungle’ remarks – POLITICO

The United Arab Emirates on Monday accused EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell of making “racist” remarks last week and be summoned Head of the EU Delegation to the UAE.

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemn Borrell’s controversial remarks compared Europe to a garden and the rest of the world to a jungle, saying they were “inappropriate and discriminatory” and “fueled a growing climate of intolerance and discrimination across the globe” .

It requested a written explanation for Borrell’s comments and summoned Emile Paulsen, acting head of the EU mission to the UAE.

in a controversial speech Speaking to future diplomats at the opening of the European Diplomatic Academy in Bruges last week, Borrell said: “Yes, Europe is a garden and we have built a garden. Everything is normal,” citing the continent’s Political freedom, economic prosperity and social cohesion.

He then went on to say: “Much of the rest of the world is jungle, and jungle can invade gardens,” arguing that diplomats must “go to the jungle” rather than build a wall.

The remarks sparked criticism from politicians all around the worldwith Canadian UN Ambassador Bob Ray Call up It was a “horrific analogy”, adding that “of course, history and our own lived experience teach us that no place in the world is free from violence.”

Borrell denied Monday that his message was racist or colonial, Say He intends to reject the idea of ​​a “European fortress” and encourage students to engage with the world.