DERASAT Chairman participates in Abu Dhabi Strategic Forum

Abu Dhabi, Nov. 11 (BNA): Board of Trustees Chairman of Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT) Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed that the Arab countries of moderation are interacting positively with any real initiative to achieve regional stability. He added this requires first a tangible and radical change in the Iranian practices. He underlined the need for Iran to get rid of its expansion illusions as well as stop interfering in countries’ internal affairs and backing terrorist militias. Addressing the 6th Abu Dhabi Strategic Forum, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out that the moderate Gulf countries are dealing with internal challenges with appropriate and effective means. He pointed out the successful national visions and the achievements brought about in many fields, mainly the economic one. The forum is organised by the Emirates Policy Centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, under the patronage of the UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Concerning foreign challenges, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out the precarious regional situation and the exacerbating conditions in many Arab countries which shook Arab national security. He said the region has known over the past decade geopolitical and security changes which led to the collapse of many national institutions and horrible sectarian and ethnic conflicts. He added the emergence of the so called “asymmetric wars” of armed militias, alongside the dangers of cyber terrorism, have also posed and impediment to development schemes. He also pointed out the danger of Iran’s expansionist plan through traditional, missile, electronic and nuclear force as well as the creation of terrorist cells, inciting sectarianism and using provocative media. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out the growing fears of a global economic crisis with rising commercial wars and a slowing economic growth rates of the Euro Zone and emerging economies as well as the increasing debt of cross-border companies. He noted that the Gulf fundamentals have not changed. Yet, the strategy of dealing with regional challenges has changed for the sake of “preemptive security”. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah affirmed that with the emergence of new security challenges, studies and research centres have presented their visions and expectations about the future of security in the Gulf region in the forthcoming years in an attempt to identify where this strategic region is going. As a matter of fact, he noted, it has been found out that the GCC countries must continue taking the initiative to protect their security and possess the elements of comprehensive power. “Concerted efforts are the only way to address challenges facing us,” Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said, affirming the importance of GCC unity, possessing knowledge and smart technologies and holding on to moderation.