Are Turkey, UAE Coming Closer?
The visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed to Turkey, and his meeting with President Erdogan, came after many rapid developments which took place between the two countries since the beginning of this year. It began with unprecedented positive statements about Turkey made by the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash, and his declaration of the UAE’s wish to normalise relations with Turkey. Then, there were contacts and mutual meetings held between officials of the two countries, the most important of which was Erdogan’s meeting with Emirati National Security Adviser Tahnoun bin Zayed in Ankara last August.
Meanwhile, President Erdogan was asked if his meeting with Tahnoun bin Zayed meant a thaw in the relations between the two countries. He replied that such meetings could take place between countries, and that Turkey wanted to talk directly with the active countries in the region.
It was clear that President Erdogan was waiting for concrete steps on the ground. In other words, there is no doubt that Mohammed bin Zayed’s visit to Turkey and his meeting with Erdogan mean a thaw in the relations between the two countries.
Considering the signed agreements and memoranda of understanding, it can be said that “the ice which was impeding the tangible progress in relations between Ankara and Abu Dhabi has melted.”
This crucial visit will be key to developing good economic relations between the two countries, and achieving valuable gains for Turkey with Emirati investments worth ten billion dollars.
(by Muhammad Nur Farhud in TRT Arabi)
Assad Back in Arab Lap
Observers agree that the tragedies which the Arab world has seen since 2011 are mainly because of the fact that the map of the Middle East is very complex.
The Arabs (now) are divided on the grounds that some countries believe that the Syrian regime should take serious steps to reconcile with its people and its Arab surroundings. First, it should emphasise on continuing support to the efforts aimed at a political solution to the crisis in a way which guarantees security of the Syrian people, and protects it from terrorist organisations, sectarian militias, and interferences of all countries. It is not a secret that the major powers now share the Syrian land and airspace, including Iran, Turkey and others.
Can the Arab League bring the supporters and those who oppose this idea together on this matter? We should not forget that during this month, ten years have passed since the decision to freeze Syria’s membership in the Arab League and its various institutions. The decision was taken by the Ministerial Council on November 11, 2011. It was decided in the wake of the worsening situation on the Syrian soil. With the tenth anniversary of this decision, there are clear signs of a shift in the Arab attitude towards Syria. This is aimed at restoring its position in the Arab League and to reduce the level of the implications of regional interventions.
(by Maria Maaloof in Sky News Arabia)
Compiled and Translated by Faizul Haque