Various countries in the Middle East have sent representatives to the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. The discussions and speeches there are noteworthy.
Some countries will be messaging about what they hope will happen in the coming year. Others will use the opportunity to network and conduct key meetings. Still more will also be looking to Washington and to US President Donald Trump’s new administration.
For instance, the UAE’s Economy Minister, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, spoke about the importance of the Gulf states strengthening ties with the US administration.
“The Emirati minister spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday and said that the UAE was the US’s No. 1 commerce partner within the Gulf Cooperation Council, with a bilateral trade of $40 billion annually,” Arab News reported.
UAE officials took part in various meetings in Davos, including one that focused on eliminating bureaucracy, Al Ain media in the UAE said.
Iran’s Mohammad Javad Zarif, who now serves as Iran’s vice president for strategic affairs, held talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid at Davos.
“During the meeting held on Tuesday, the two sides reviewed ways to promote bilateral ties. Zarif and Rashid also discussed the framework of the Tehran-Baghdad cooperation and underlined the necessity of boosting bilateral relations in various areas of environment, energy, economy, and security,” Iranian state media reported.
“The Iraqi president stressed the importance of expanding cooperation to strengthen regional relations and create a better future for the nations. He also stressed the need to coordinate views in the international arenas to ensure stability and security.”
Herzog met with Qatari Prime Minister
President Isaac Herzog met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Davos.
This was an important and symbolic meeting. “During their meeting, President Herzog thanked the Qatari prime minister for his significant efforts in advancing the ongoing hostage deal,” Herzog’s office said in a statement.
“The Qatari prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to implementing all stages of the agreement. President Herzog shared with him the profound emotions experienced across Israel following the release of three hostages, Romi, Doron, and Emily, earlier this week.”
Thani also met on Tuesday with Libya’s Government of National Unity’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibeh.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, also participated on Tuesday in a public session titled “Diplomacy amid Disorder” at the World Economic Forum.
“The foreign minister emphasized that the Middle East possesses immense potential to achieve a better future despite the challenges and recent risks it has faced. He noted that the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip appear positive and offer grounds for optimism,” Saudi Arabia’s state media said.
“Regarding Syria, Prince Faisal bin Farhan highlighted the Syrian people’s significant capabilities and abundant resources, presenting a genuine opportunity to steer Syria toward a highly positive path.
“He stressed the importance of international community participation in fostering such progress and supporting the Syrian people to achieve a better future,” it continued.
The Saudi envoy said that the prince would visit Lebanon soon.
Syria’s new foreign minister is also at Davos. This is important for Syria and its new government, which took power on December 8.
Before departing for Switzerland, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Syria’s new foreign minister, said he was looking forward to the meetings.
According to reports, he will go on stage there with Tony Blair, the United Kingdom’s former prime minister, on January 22.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called on Israel to withdraw from Syria and Lebanon in a speech at Davos, according to Ynet. Spain recently reopened its embassy in Syria.
Bloomberg News reported that Turkey is boycotting Davos over the Gaza war for the second year in a row.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt left Cairo International Airport on January 20 for Switzerland.
ional Airport on January 20 for Switzerland.