UAE affirms commitment to efforts to promote international peace and stability

Cairo: Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organisations Affairs, Dr. Tareq Al Haidan, voiced U.A.E's interest in hosting the 11th edition of Forum for the Future in 2014, and re-affirmed UAE's commitment to efforts to promote international peace and stability. "UAE takes part in the 10th edition of Forum for the Future out of its belief in the importance of partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector which help support sustainable development in all sectors, in particular economy," said Al Haidan in a speech on Monday before the10th Forum for the Future conference which was co-chaired by Egypt and UK. Mr. Al Haidan, who led UAE delegation to the forum, affirmed that the UAE's policy, which is based on balance, moderation, respect of the sovereignty of other states and non-interference in their internal affairs, has led to the creation of a positive climate for the promotion of development, civil society's efforts and active participation in all activities, empowerment of women as well as encouraging the youth to play their active role in the service of society. The senior official expressed hopes that the Group of Eight (G8) will play an important role in advancing development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through expertise, technology transfer, technical and vocational training as well as promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). "Based on its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and its contribution to the establishment of international peace and security, UAE underscores the importance of dialogue and the solving of disputes between states through peaceful means, in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf in particular. Not discussing the issues does not contribute to the strengthening of the pillars of peace and stability in this region." "The goals of this forum can be achieved only through the achievement of peace in the Middle East based on a fair solution providing for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state that peacefully co-exists with Israel as its neighbour, and that is created within the pre-4th June 1967 borders according to the relevant international legitimacy resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the roadmap for peace." "We are keenly interested in making excellent contributions and supporting regional and international partnerships aimed at building a more stable, secure and just world that is free of all forms of terrorism, extremism, violence and organised crime, based on dialogue, religious tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and acceptance of others. Our experience in this context was outstanding and useful for encouraging our civil society to interact with the broader region and to contribute its ideas and proposals alongside others," added Mr. Al Haidan. – Emirates News Agency, WAM