UAE backs early start of Yemen peace talks: Gargash

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UAE backs early start of Yemen peace talks: Gargash
Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.-Photo by Ryan Lim

Abu Dhabi - According to the minister, the young aspiring diplomats should develop a knack for initiating private talks.

By Anjana Sankar

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Published: Wed 14 Nov 2018, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Thu 15 Nov 2018, 8:25 AM

Diplomacy is the cheapest effective way to solve differences and avoid conflicts; hence the UAE needs to nurture well-trained diplomats, according to Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
"Diplomacy is a very slow process but an important one. It is important because it works very well and it runs cheaper than open conflicts. Many of the problems we have in our region are clear examples of failure of our diplomacy. We don't do enough diplomacy and resolve issues, taking time to address each other's perspectives and reaching compromises," the minister said in his keynote address at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference on Wednesday.
Organised by the Emirates Diplomatic Academy, the annual event brings together thought leaders and experts from the field of international politics, the academe and the private sector, providing a platform where they can share best practices and ideas.
Recognising Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for his efforts in making the UAE passport one of the strongest in the world, Dr Gargash said the achievement was an example of the "care and pride we give to our consular issues".
"Many years ago, many people would come and say, 'I love getting a Canadian passport because it will allow me to go to so many countries'. Well, now you can say that 'I love the UAE passport because it will take you to so many places'."
Diplomacy is deeply ingrained in the UAE's foundation as the late Sheikh Zayed had left "a legacy that actually serves as a compass for our future", the minister said.
"This remarkable man understood that resolving issues means open communication, peace, wisdom and that there are no easy answers for difficult questions," he added. According to the minister, the young aspiring diplomats should develop a knack for initiating private talks, build a network of contacts, and reach out to create successful dialogues.
"Diplomacy is not an ivory tower. It is about what you can do for your people and your country."
He added that it is essential for diplomats to have deep knowledge about a variety of subjects as the range of issues under the banner of international relations has become much wider, now including sustainability and artificial intelligence.
The two-day conference was also attended by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, other dignitaries, diplomats and experts, and saw discussions on the Future of Diplomacy and Gender and Diplomacy on the first day.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com
 


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