UAE a model for region to follow, says UAE ambassador to Russia

Dubai - The UAE, he said "is expecting to push more of an agenda of what the UAE is, as an example for the rest of the Arab world.

The UAE will continue to push the country as an example for the rest of the region to follow, according to UAE ambassador to Russia Omar Saif Ar Ghobash
Speaking at the Arab Media Forum at a session entitled "Spreading Peace and Humanitarian Principles" anchored by CNN anchor and correspondent Hala Gorani, Ghobash said that the UAE - with its vibrant economy and gender balance - has all the elements of a typical modern Arab state, but has created something constructive from it.
The UAE, he said "is expecting to push more of an agenda of what the UAE is, as an example for the rest of the Arab world.
Regarding the effort to communicate the UAE's drive to enhance its people's happiness, he said that the country is currently engaging its own society about the concept of happiness. He stressed the importance of categorizing the youth as andissue' and as a 'potential', as the UAE has done.
Speaking on the concepts of happiness and tolerance, for which the UAE has created Ministries, he ruled the fact that happiness is something the media usually does not associate with the Arab world.
Speaking further about the concept of tolerance, he said that it sets minimum standards.
I tolerate you. I don't get too upset that we are in the same room together," he said.
He added that the UAE is a leader in coexistence between the various races and equality between men and women
"Our state has made great strides in the happiness of its people and to achieve social harmony, prosperity and progress before establishing the Ministry of happiness long years later," he said.
With regards to Russia, he said that the country has a major role to play in the Syrian crisis, "He said that Russia, to play a major role in the Syrian crisis, irrespective of our dispute with them in how to solve the crisis, and therefore we should continue dialogue."
He noted that Arab countries fully understand that Russia has interests in the region, especially with regard to the Syrian crisis.
"When the Russians confirmed that their main goal in Syria lies in strikes against radical Islam represented in Daesh, we hold them sincerity of their intentions, because there is a connection between widespread in the Middle East and the Caucasus terrorism and we understand that."


amira@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE