Decisive twelve months ahead for Middle East, Gulf

Dr. Anwar Gargash (WAM)

Abu Dhabi: A senior official from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has warned that the Middle and the Gulf have reached “critical junctures in major conflicts and challenges” across it.

However, reviewing regional developments at the sixth annual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate Dr. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed optimism regarding the potential for significant progress over the next year/

On Iran, Dr. Gargash emphasized the necessity of diplomacy and de-escalation and called for policymakers to explore constructive ideas, saying that they are needed now more than ever in order to create a “new, more stable regional order in which all countries will be able to thrive.”

However, any process should include Arabian Gulf states to ensure it is long term and sustainable, he stressed.

Turning to Yemen, following the UAE’s redeployment from Aden, Dr. Gargash confirmed that the UAE’s priorities within the Coalition will be to continue to provide humanitarian aid, counter terror threats, protect maritime security and support the UN-led political process.

He told the audience the Coalition has managed to defend its strategic priorities in Yemen, and prevent the Houthis and Al Qaeda from dividing up the country.

He commended the Saudi diplomatic success in concluding the Riyadh Agreement. He also stressed the importance of inclusivity to the political process, noting that the Houthis “are a part of Yemeni society and they will have a role in its future.”

Dr. Gargash made the case for a new regional order, underpinned by a renewal of Arab states and values, with a strong moderate core.

“We need to be ready to act in unison to resolve conflicts between states, and to encourage countries to resolve any internal conflicts through political dialogue,” he said as he referred to the successful example of Sudan’s transition, according to the UAE national news agency WAM.

Dr. Gargash addressed the changing nature of the international system and emphasized the necessity of a rules-based global order. In times of change the rules governing the international system are of vital importance in managing priorities and challenges.

The minister emphasized the need for the UAE to continue pursuing national advancement as it deals with various regional crises.

He described the UAE’s national success as inspiring other states in the region to concentrate on progressive social and economic priorities. “Progressive evolution is vital “not just for our own sake but to give others hope that life really can get better in this region.”