EPC welcomes guests of Second Annual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate 2015

ABU DHABI 31st October 2015 (WAM)--Dr. Ibtisam Al Ketbi Chairperson of Emirates Policy Centre (EPC) has underlined that the gathering of strategic thinkers and policy makers in the region and around the world in the Second Annual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate 2015 is an exceptional occasion for open dialogues and in-depth exchange of ideas with a view to draw future scenarios for the region and the world.

In a speech at a reception held this evening at Emirates Palace Hotel to welcome the participants in the event which will open its sessions officially on Sunday Dr. Al Ketbi said "We came together to try to find policies and alternative strategies so as to contribute to making the region and the world more stable amid international collective security threat being posed by terrorism strategic shocks and cyberspace information threats."

She said a single think tank centre or research institution cannot claim to diagnose the crises of the regional and international systems. "Therefore we have been keen to hold this annual forum to bring together the best minds from around the world to brainstorm with the people of the region so as to reach an outcome to understand and interpret transformations in the region and the world. This will help all to offer joint solutions and collectively redefine the international relation systems and make them fairer and more stable. "

For his part Jon Huntsman Chairman of the Atlantic Council expressed the pride of the Council to work as a strategic partner with the Abu Dhabi forum which draws the participation and interest of decision-makers researchers academics and strategic thinkers who are studying and analysing in parallel a wide range of vital and pressing issues to identify solutions that fit the challenges facing the region and the world today.

Frances F. Townsend Executive Vice President Worldwide Government Legal and Business Affairs of MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated said the world and foremost the United States is facing a hard time in connection with the drawing of effective policies in the region starting with Syria and Iraq all the way to Yemen and Libya.

Townsend who served as the former Homeland Security Advisor to United States President George W. Bush Jr. said the "recent developments in Syria and Iraq have raised fears of a lack of success of US President Barack Obama's policy in the two countries especially with regard to confronting Daesh (ISIL). There is an impression in different circles that Washington has abandoned its traditional allies in the region in favour of more openness on Iran."

She said "the cooperation between the UAE and the United States is a good model but needs to be further strengthened especially that the UAE can play a positive and effective roles in the fight against extremism and maintaining security and stability in the region."

The Second Annual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate 2015 organised by EPC in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Atlantic Council will discuss a number of strategic issues and files pertaining to the Arab region in general the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf states in particular. More than 300 politicians diplomats economists and academics from about 40 countries will take part in the event.