TRENDS Research and Advisory: The security and stability of the African continent are important for the Gulf countries

TRENDS Research and Advisory participated in a regional conference, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs IFA, which is affiliated to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference was held on Thursday in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, entitled "Security Dynamics in the Red Sea: The Need for Dialogue and Cooperation in a Time of Global Interconnectedness."

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, said in his remarks that the conference is held at a time when the momentum of interest and joint regional cooperation between the Arab Gulf states and African countries has increased, in light of a changing regional and international environment.

Dr. Al-Ali stressed the Gulf-African relations are not transient. They are not a product of any pressures or a response to certain circumstances. Rather, they are deep rooted in ancient history. They continued to become even stronger with the support from the GCC countries and the African continent. The two sides are determined to strengthen these relations to achieve the aspirations of their people in economic development and prosperity.

Dr. Al-Ali stated that the security and stability of the African continent is one of the major issues of interest of the Arab Gulf states. Gulf -Africa relationship is one of the guarantees of the security of the Arab world and the Gulf region. The CEO of Trends referred in this regard to several common areas between the two sides, most notably combating terrorism and extremism, addressing the repercussions of climate change, agricultural investments, bilateral trade, renewable energy projects and other activities of common benefits.

The conference was attended by a number of ministers, officials and representatives of think tanks and research institutions from several countries in Africa and beyond. Dr. Al-Ali said the UAE-Africa relations, are witnessing a great boost. The UAE gives the African continent a major strategic priority at all levels, and was the first Gulf country and the second Arab country to join the African Union Commission as an observer.

He explained that the Gulf-African relations are of great significance, especially in light of the global changes and developments since the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused many repercussions and affected all countries. He mentioned the impact of the war in Ukraine. The world has entered a new phase, in which risks and strategic challenges have increased. This requires various countries to strengthen their relations regionally and internationally, in order to secure mutual benefit, and promote international security and stability.

The CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory indicated that the Gulf and African countries have the capabilities and resources that enable them to deepen cooperation towards further horizons. He said that these capabilities can be harnessed to help the two sides “promote cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and common interest for the benefit of our countries and peoples”, Al-Ali said.

Dr. Al-Ali stressed that the success of the Gulf and African partners in joint cooperation guarantees a promising future for these relations, in which the two sides can achieve their development aspirations. This includes economic, political, commercial, cultural and security dimensions.

In this regard, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali stressed the significant role of think tanks in exploring prospects for cooperation, supporting this common trend through discussions, research and studies. He said that research centers can highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the future ambitions of joint Gulf-African cooperation.

Dr. Al-Ali said that TRENDS Research and Advisory is based on a comprehensive global vision based on the importance of sharing ideas, expertise and research and knowledge experiences with peer research institutions in all countries. He stressed that the continent of Africa occupies at the forefront of TRENDS' interests. He stressed the importance of joint cooperation in the field of research and studies, and expressed his hope that the Addis Ababa conference and other meetings will usher the beginning of enhancing the mutual research cooperation between the GCC states and the African continent.