Abu Dhabi: The UAE on Sunday called for building a moderate Arab centre that is united in its promotion of a stable, open and dynamic region, saying it was open to genuine and constructive dialogue with Iran.
“There is a need to build a moderate Arab centre that is united in its promotion of a stable, open and dynamic region,” Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said while addressing delegates at a regional conference, the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate.
Dr Gargash said this requires a leading role by Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
“To ensure that both serve as pillars of moderation and stability, the international community needs to closely engage with them. We must think creatively of how a modernised Arab regional system can pull us out of the current mess. Riyadh and Cairo are critical towards realising such a new regional architecture,” Dr Gargash said in his keynote speech at the opening session of the two-day conference.
Dr Gargash said there is no alternative to closer cooperation and coordination between moderate Arab countries. “In a period of growing regional and international uncertainty and instability moderate actors need to shoulder greater regional responsibilities.”
Dr Gargash said, “We in the UAE are proud of what we have achieved. Through long-term investments in our people and a commitment to an open economy and a fair and innovative society, the UAE has become a global hub for trade and commerce and a regional economic leader. Nevertheless, the UAE model is not unique, and the Middle East has great potential to overcome its current challenges. While the UAE is not one of the region’s largest states, we feel that the success of its paradigm can act as a source of inspiration in an otherwise troubled region.”
Dr Gargash stressed that the UAE will continue to strive to promote cultural openness, religious tolerance, the empowerment of women and clear pathways for young people. “These values have formed the basis of the UAE’s own national development and are at the core of the UAE’s moderate foreign policy. This is especially important because as we seek to stabilise the region, we must concurrently strive to move beyond the status quo,” Dr Gargash said.
Dr Gargash rectified views held by some concerning the position on dialogue with Iran. “We do not reject such a sensible proposition, but require that such dialogue be genuine and constructive, based on a clear set of principles,” Dr Gargash said.
He explained Iran has to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab states, end its claim to authority over Shiite communities in other countries, and cease all efforts to export its revolution. In other words, Iran must act as a state rather than an exporter of revolution and instability.
The annual event bringing together nearly 400 figures from regional and international elite of the experts community including decision makers, politicians, researchers and academics, is organised by the Emirates Policy Centre (EPC), in cooperation with the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Atlantic Council, US.
The Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate discussed a number of topics, including the Gulf in a changing global and regional order, traditional, rising and declining powers in a shifting world order and strategic uncertainty in the Arab world, shifts and scenarios.
