There isn't a more appropriate time for the Turkish president to visit the UAE. Turkey is a major player in the region, and has been playing an increasingly proactive role. Both countries have a lot to offer. They both represent excellent examples that can be emulated by others in the Muslim world. Turkey has had a successful experiment in marrying its Islamic traditions and its secular tendencies. It is always cited as a successful Muslim democracy that has become an inspiration to Arab countries, especially the so-called Arab Spring states.
Economically, it has managed to turn its fortunes around to boast reasonable growth. Its private sector is at record productivity levels. The UAE, meanwhile, is a modern state recognised globally as a development success story — a destination for investment, multinational companies and tourists. Most importantly, the two countries are playing an active political role in the region, seeking to preserve stability and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Their role in the escalating situation in Syria is instrumental to the future of that country, although Ankara had been tempted to act aggressively at the beginning of the Syrian crisis. There were some indications Turkey was mulling military intervention, which would have been a mistake. Turkey must not forget that it comes to the region with heavy baggage — centuries of iron-fisted rule over this region during the Ottoman Empire. Some people in Turkey might want to play around with the idea of reviving ‘Ottoman glory'. They should not.
Turkey is an important state which has a responsibility to contribute to the stability and prosperity of our region by cooperating and assisting others. This role would certainly be welcomed by all Arab states, understandably wary of the suspicious alliances made by another regional power — Iran.
