Türkiye-UAE Relations can be an Anchor for Stability in the Middle East
We are emerging out of a pandemic that has cost dearly to the world. The humanity’s experience over the past two years has already redefined our lives in so many ways. The good news is that we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, which promises new opportunities in addition to challenges. As Türkiye, we have said from the beginning that the world will not be the same and the post-pandemic world will require a drastically different approach to global and regional challenges facing us. In an age of increasingly unstable and unpredictable developments around the world, global and regional cooperation is no longer a choice but an obligation. Our region needs a shift towards conciliation, coordination and cooperation more than any other regions of the world. Türkiye believes the future of the region needs to be anchored in economic cooperation and political dialogue. We have been pleased to see that the UAE leadership shares this vision and is ready to work with Türkiye toward a more stable and prosperous region. President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit is a testament to his recognition of the critical importance of the UAE in the region to contribute these goals.
For the last two decades, conflicts in the Middle East have produced prolonged periods of instability, heightened levels of tensions, and humanitarian disasters with millions of our brothers and sisters living in dire conditions. Civil wars generated failed states and security challenges. During this period, Türkiye has sought to be a stabilizing power by prioritizing dialogue, diplomacy and regional solutions to these unprecedented challenges. Türkiye’s efforts are driven by the perspective that we have no choice but to promote cooperation, dialogue and win-win strategies. We understand that no single country can solve the outstanding issues in our region, and it necessitates cooperation and coordination. The first step to attain a common approach towards resolution of these problems is to overcome bilateral differences through pro-active engagement. Last month in Ankara, we saw that both Türkiye and the UAE shared a vision for a more peaceful and prosperous region. It was the largest common denominator for both countries in their bilateral dialogue as well. With President Erdoğan’s visit, we hope to strengthen our constructive dialogue and take our relations to the next level for the sake of regional peace.
For decades now, it has been to the detriment of our region that countries or organizations who have a limited stake in region set out to determine the fate of the Middle East. Extra-regional involvements often resulted in lopsided and destructive consequences in the absence of intra-regional cooperation structures. We believe that in this changing world, the countries of the region can step up to build robust relationships to confront common challenges. Importing security from actors outside of the region and expecting it to bring stability did not provide effective solutions. The attempt to establish an order in the Middle East without considering the realities of the region did not bring satisfactory outcomes. As we have seen in the past several decades, lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through genuinely regional initiatives of relevant regional actors. Türkiye and the UAE expressed their will to lead these regional initiatives in order to discover common interest and solve common challenges. With our partners in the region, we can change the course of history.
We believe that regional economic cooperation both at the bilateral level and through multilateral schemes can be the bedrock of much needed stability and peace. There continue to be dire conditions in several conflict zones in the Middle East including Yemen, Palestine, Iraq and beyond. Economic inequities run rampant as development goals of many countries remain unattainable in the current situation. Youth unemployment, income inequality, refugees and internally displaced persons are just a few of the persistent problems that need to be addressed urgently.
As Muslims we have been raised with the teaching of Prophet Mohammad who said, “He who sleeps contently while his neighbour sleep hungry cannot be considered a true believer.” Türkiye and the UAE could join forces in order to alleviate the humanitarian crises in the region and build a model for other countries to join. It is necessary for us to prevent income inequalities that cause significant political and social problems. We believe that active cooperation between Türkiye and the UAE will pave the way for alleviating these problems and effective use of our economic and social potential. This is a region full of opportunities and ample resources. The dynamism of our populations, the availability of human capital and vibrant economies can provide a fertile ground for widespread prosperity. There is much to be hopeful for, especially our strong commitment to the development of our younger generations.
Türkiye-UAE relations have recently been reenergized thanks to our mutual recognition that increased cooperation in all arenas is in the interest of both countries as well as of the region. In the face of monumental security, economic, and humanitarian challenges, Türkiye’s stabilizing posture and the UAE’s critically important dynamism can produce lasting solutions. Türkiye and the UAE seek to deepen their bilateral relations as they pursue pragmatic approaches to regional challenges. We believe that both countries are invested in increasing regional cooperation and creating new investment opportunities that can build constructive economic dependencies. We are convinced that we must forge strong intra-regional economic ties and dialogue mechanisms that can stand the test of time and serve as the anchor for regional peace. Türkiye, under the leadership of our President Erdoğan, is driven by the perspective of strengthening our bonds with our brothers in the Gulf for the sake of stability and peace in our region.