UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash stressed the need for a moderate Arab coalition to face the threats in the region. His speech was made during the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate (ADSD), organized by Emirates Policy Centre.
Building a strong moderate Arab center to address common regional security challenges is already underway, he said, adding that “for this Arab-led approach to be successful, we must continue to develop our own capabilities.”
“It is critical that Saudi Arabia and Egypt play a leading role in helping to steer the region in a more positive direction. Their stability is so important for the future of the whole region, and it is also why we welcome the proposal for a Middle East Strategic Alliance – it will allow countries with moderate agendas to work closely with the United States,” Gargash stated.
He went on to say that the GCC would be an important part of this alliance.
“Iran has been a primary source of sectarianism in the region,” he added. “We believe that Iran is threatening the security of the region’s countries by supporting armed militias and its proxies, like Hizbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen in addition to its use of cyber attacks and carrying out acts of terror in the region and beyond, like those witnessed in Europe.”
The minister reaffirmed the UAE’s support for the US President Donald Trump’s policy toward Iran and his strategy to stand up to its aggressive and destabilizing conduct.
“Another pillar for stability is for the region’s countries to pursue good governance. Like other peoples of the world, the region’s people seek good health, education and job opportunities; they aspire for prosperity and in case youth in our region have not been promised their dreams will come true, they would opt for extremism,” he said.
Gargash continued: “It is now high time for Houthis to de-escalate the situation and start a fresh round of peace negotiations. The ball is now in their court and the international community has to contribute to reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict by getting the Houthis to the negotiating table and cut off military supplies and funding provided to them by Iran.”
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