Abdullah calls for Mideast reforms at Forum for the Future meeting

Abu Dhabi: Reform in the Middle East is a national demand and it is a necessity for the present and the future, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, told the Forum for the Future on Sunday.

Shaikh Abdullah told delegates and civil society professionals from around Europe, the Middle East and North Africa the extent and means of reforms differ from one country to another, according to each country's past and current environment, capabilities and culture.

"On the other hand, we also feel the need to develop an international security architecture that includes economic, cultural and social elements in its military dimension," Shaikh Abdullah told the forum, co-chaired by the UAE and Japan.

He stressed that confronting the challenges threatening the human race must remain an imperative part of our core activities in the future. "Among such issues are those concerning health, environment, competition for resources, migration and the brain drain," he said.

Shaikh Abdullah said this forum serves as a platform for constructive interaction and dialogue among the participating countries and partners, particularly those who have agreed to collaborate on issues of mutual concern.

"It helps intensify reform and development efforts in all sectors, and contributes towards settling disputes through peaceful means by using a mechanism that respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all concerned. In this way the security, stability and prosperity in the region are enhanced," said Shaikh Abdullah.

Human development

"The UAE has achieved high levels of human development, standards of living and education, human rights, women's empowerment and participation in all sectors," the Foreign Minister, told the audience.

Nonetheless, he added, "we continue to actively and responsibly develop our domestic political, educational, economic and social reform programmes. We also pursue efforts both regionally and internationally to achieve peace and stability, as well as renounce violence, extremism and terror."

Hosted by the UAE National Organising Committee for Civil Society, and organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the forum was held from October 15 to 17 in Dubai, and in Abu Dhabi from October 18 to 19.

Shaikh Abdullah highlighted the prevailing regional frustration as a result of the delay in the Middle East peace process. "Threats on the ground also create a strong case for making the Middle East a region free of weapons of mass destruction.

"Any situation to the contrary would open the door for continuous conflicts and threaten regional and international peace and security, in addition to wasting capabilities, intensifying disorder and hindering development."