United Arab Emirates sees itself as the new “Switzerland in the Gulf”
Published: Thursday, Jan 18th 2024, 15:30
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Russia sanctions and Hamas ban: the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have put Swiss neutrality to the test. Foreign observers at the World Economic Forum (WEF) see scratches in the image of the neutral mediator. Diplomatic competition is already at the ready: The United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"We are the new Switzerland in the Gulf," said UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Tuk at a panel discussion in Davos GR. The fragmentation of the world will continue for at least the next decade. "We need to reinstall ourselves and think about new trade routes, new alliances, openings and conflicts," he said.
The 480 billion dollar economy with planned growth of 4 to 5 percent for 2024 wants to play a bigger role internationally. "We have shown through the last crises that we are adaptable," said Digital Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama.
The UAE has already exercised diplomatic restraint: during the Gaza war between Israel and the radical Islamic group Hamas, the Emirates primarily refrained from criticizing Israel - in stark contrast to other Arab states.
Exercise as hostess
The Gulf state also recently took on the role of diplomatic host: in December 2023, for example, the oil state hosted the important 28th UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai. In February, the next important ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization will take place in the capital Abu Dhabi.
An advisor to the UAE government told the Keystone-SDA news agency on the sidelines of the WEF in Davos that Switzerland has an image as a neutral mediator and that this "brand" is invaluable. But there were worrying developments that were damaging this image.
The World Economic Forum in Davos has always been a place for open discussions, said the consultant. This year, however, important players are not taking part, including Turkey and Russia. "Russia is not far away and will not simply disappear from the world. You have to engage with the country."
Discussions about banning Hamas, for example, would also be detrimental to Switzerland's role as a neutral mediator, said the Arab advisor. "This is the worst time for Switzerland to choose sides." In today's fragmented world, Switzerland's "brand" should actually be protected.
Switzerland prefers to remain discreet
In Switzerland, the Russia sanctions once again sparked a heated debate on neutrality. Some argued for a clear stance against aggressors in violation of international law, while others saw the measures as an obstacle to neutrality.
Despite this, Switzerland has recently achieved major diplomatic successes. Switzerland organized a reconstruction conference on Ukraine in Lugano TI in 2023. And last Sunday in Davos, 80 countries discussed a peace formula for the war-torn country. Switzerland is also set to organize a major peace summit next.
At the WEF, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Switzerland on the good work it is doing for Ukraine, according to President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told journalists at the WEF that Switzerland is very much in demand as a mediator. However, this could not always be made public, because otherwise Switzerland would no longer be able to fulfill its role as a discreet mediator.
©Keystone/SDA
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