UAE Participates in Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability in Greece

The UAE stressed that the establishment of peace and security in the Mediterranean basin is an essential element of global stability and represents a priority in its policy which derives its principles from the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

In a statement delivered at the two-day Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability, which concluded in Greece, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Political Affairs, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Jarman, reiterated the UAE's condemnation and rejection of all forms and manifestations of terrorism, regardless of their sources, places or perpetrators.

He stressed the need for concerted regional and international efforts to fight terrorism, implement the relevant resolutions and recommendations of relevant regional and international organisations and back the United Nation's global strategy for fighting terrorism.

Outlining the UAE's intensified efforts in containing tensions and crises in this region and beyond, the official noted that the country seeks to consolidate its humanitarian, relief and development aid programmes, effective participation in peacekeeping missions, protection of civilians and refugees and reconstruction in areas hit by conflicts.

He said these efforts reflect the UAE's commitment and dedication to the achievement of the noble goals of preserving international peace and security.

Combating terrorism should be carried out as part of a commitment to international law, the rule of law and protection of human rights, he said. "An over-arching approach featuring combined regional and international efforts needs to be embraced to fight the phenomenon of terrorism while at the same time its root causes should be addressed."

The official further noted that the relevant global strategy should take into account the nature of extremism, which spilled over the national borders of countries to become a global phenomenon, and extremist groups' exploitation of unsolved conflicts in the Middle East. "Due to the importance of education for fighting extremism, the UAE hosted the Hedaya centre to counter violent extremism and established the Muslim Council of Elders to address the roots of sectarianism."

He noted that the UAE and the US established the Sawab Center to promote tolerance and counter online extremist propaganda.

As part of efforts to develop its national policies and legislative and executive regulations to eliminate terrorism and protect the youth from being fooled into extremism and violence, the UAE enacted a federal law to combat terrorist crimes and punish those convicted of abetting or carrying out terrorist acts, he added.

To further promote the values of tolerance, moderation and coexistence, the UAE also enacted a federal anti-discrimination law.

Speaking on the issue of refugees, he said it is escalating day after day and the international community should act in an effective and serious manner to prevent further escalation.

"We call for joint efforts, especially because in the near future the situation in the region and the whole world will be critical, which requires further regional and international coordination and cooperation to find solutions to the current conflicts in the region. In this field, the UAE provided humanitarian assistance worth US$1.1 billion since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, launched several projects to protect refugees in Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan and signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Greece to establish shelters for Syrian refugees in Greece."

Speaking on the issue of climate change, Al Jarman noted that the UAE is among the first nations participating in relevant negotiations and that it closely cooperated with the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in France, and regional and international partners to contribute towards the successful conclusion of the Paris climate change agreement, which was backed by all governments as it draws a clear path to a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions, encouraging economically-feasible solutions, accelerating the growth of renewable energy projects and boosting energy efficiency technologies.

He also noted that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2016 was a forum for procedures designed to translate the Paris agreement into effective procedures.

Al Jarman concluded the statement by stressing that the government of the UAE will continue its policy of enhancing international security and peace, solving international conflicts through peaceful means including international law and a comprehensive preventive strategy to preempt conflicts and achieve security, economic prosperity and sustainable development.

The UAE delegation to the Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability included Ambassador to Greece, Sultan Mohammed Al Ali.

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