Arab League's Ahmed Aboul Gheit Emphasises Strengthening Ties With Euro-Mediterranean Nations

The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, highlighted the significance of enhancing ties with Euro-Mediterranean nations. He emphasised collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean and the European Union to foster successful partnerships in scientific and diplomatic arenas. This was articulated during his address at the high-level international conference on science diplomacy held at the Arab League's General Secretariat.

Aboul Gheit remarked, "The role of diplomacy extends and expands to inhabit new fields such as the environment, climate change, and sustainable development, all of which are domains in which the interests of countries conflict and require diplomatic skill to reach compromises that satisfy countries and serve the interests of all humanity." He noted that political interests often intersect with humanitarian objectives in areas like global epidemics, food security, and biodiversity conservation.

The Secretary-General also pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) technology necessitates constructive dialogue among nations, partners, international organisations, and scientific institutions. The aim is to utilise AI for humanity's benefit while mitigating risks associated with its unchecked use. This highlights a growing need for diplomatic efforts in technological advancements.

Nasser Kamel, Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, expressed optimism about the conference's potential. He hoped it would foster reflection, communication, and cooperation towards a new vision for science diplomacy. This vision aims to enhance exchanges, build capacities, strengthen networks, and encourage collaborative actions for mutual benefit.

The conference serves as a platform to discuss how diplomacy can adapt to address challenges like climate change and sustainable development. These issues require diplomatic skills to negotiate compromises that align with both national interests and global humanitarian goals. Such discussions are crucial in today's interconnected world.

In conclusion, strengthening relations between Arab states and Euro-Mediterranean countries through science diplomacy is vital. It involves navigating complex issues where political and humanitarian interests converge. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, these partnerships can advance shared objectives in various fields.

With inputs from SPA