Latest news with #peacefulcoexistence


The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Towards a peaceful and stable Middle East
Throughout the Middle East, pundits and public alike are wondering how the changes that the region is witnessing may affect the fragile existing balance of power and whether they can open the door, finally, for an era of peaceful co-existence and prosperity. It is well established that the strategic weight of our region is not confined to politics or security. It also lies in its increasingly pivotal role in the global economy. Key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, serve as vital arteries of global trade and energy supplies. At the same time, many Arab Gulf states are investing heavily in emerging industries such as renewable energy and advanced technologies. It is clear that bringing peace and stability to the Middle East is no longer a regional aspiration, but a global imperative intertwined with international prosperity. For the Arab League, a new strategic reality in the Middle East can only come about when a true vision for peace is implemented. The vision we have in mind is one based on the two-state solution: restoration of Palestinian rights for independence and dignity, followed by the implementation of the engagement of peace outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative, thus opening the door for an era of true peace and stability in the region. But regional security has been viewed differently by various parties in the region. For the Arabs, based on Arab Summit resolutions, the notion of regional security has always been based on five major pillars: a) An end to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the emergence of an independent contiguous Palestine, b) Respect of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, c) The establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region, d) Relentless combatting of terrorism and the preservation of nation-states, and e) Security guarantees for all and shared interests as applicable. From an Arab perspective, while all these elements are essential for reaching a viable and sustainable formula for regional security, we view this equation as a win-win for all parties. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about the perspective offered by other parties in our region, such as Israel. For years, and in particular after the '93 Oslo accords, the concept of regional security for Israel was based primarily on achieving military and security superiority while 'postponing indefinitely' any viable solution for the Palestinian question and without producing any real vision for achieving just and comprehensive peace. Since October 7, 2023, it appears that 'postponing indefinitely' a solution to the Palestinian question was replaced by 'eliminating' it altogether. Achieving a sustainable peace requires addressing broader geopolitical dynamics, particularly those involving Iran Driven by its extreme right-wing forces and its advancement in the past two decades, such a vision is a considerable impediment for peace and prosperity in the region. Enabling those forces to continue on such a path is nothing but a recipe for continued conflict and instability. Such a zero-sum equation with no room for a win-win formula is no salvation for our region and certainly meets no aspiration for peaceful co-existence in it. At the same time, achieving a sustainable peace requires addressing broader geopolitical dynamics, particularly those involving Iran. Over the past few years, several Arab countries have taken steps toward de-escalation and restoring dialogue with Tehran, aiming to establish a framework of mutual respect and non-interference. This approach must be preserved and reinforced, as it offers the potential to reduce tensions and prevent wider regional confrontation. For peace to take root, all regional actors must abandon policies of provocation and ideological dominance, and instead commit to principles of co-existence and balanced co-operation. I acknowledge that in my numerous encounters throughout the Arab World, and in particular after witnessing the horrors committed by Israel in Gaza through 21 months of genocidal war, I often reach the unhappy conclusion that many Arabs, in particular the youth, have ceased to believe that peace will be the order of the day in our region in the foreseeable future and that it is somehow condemned to perpetual instability and turmoil. The brief moments of peace of the 1990s seem like such distant memories. It's impossible to envisage any possibility of reliving them. All powerful players, in the region and outside it, should try and change such desperate views, if we are to seek a better and more prosperous future for the coming generations. To my understanding, a number of Arab countries who play a major role in the region have expressed readiness to engage in meaningful discussions on the matter. However, in the absence of an Israeli willingness to engage on a viable path for peace, it can be an exercise in futility. The hope remains that an active and motivated US president may intervene to tip the balance not only for the sake of morality and law, but also for shared interests and a win-for-all formula which addresses the concerns of all parties. It is still possible. Let us not waste the opportunity.


Zawya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
China, US agree to manage differences while expanding cooperation, Beijing says
China and the United States agreed to manage differences while expanding fields of cooperation, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement on Friday. The statement comes after a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a regional summit in Malaysia. Wang told Rubio that China hopes the U.S. will view China with an "objective, rational and pragmatic attitude" and formulate its policy with the goal of peaceful coexistence, the statement added. (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

Zawya
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Foreign Minister Nyanti Addresses Mano River Union (MRU) Ministerial Meeting on Regional Boundary Resolutions
Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, delivered a powerful message of unity and peaceful coexistence during the opening of the Mano River Union (MRU) High-Level Ministerial Meeting, which officially commenced on Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia. The four-day summit, running from June 16 to 19, has convened ministers and senior government officials from MRU member states Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to initiate the formation of Joint Technical Commissions tasked with resolving longstanding boundary disputes and enhancing cross-border cooperation. In her address, Foreign Minister Nyanti emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue not only between governments but among border communities. 'There must be borderless conversations between tribes within the MRU,' she stated. 'Through these people centered dialogues, the union will grow stronger and more united.' The Dean of the Cabinet underscored the significance of border peace as a foundation for national and regional peace. 'A peaceful MRU is a peaceful ECOWAS, and a peaceful Africa,' she said. 'This initiative represents a transformative pathway toward a collaborative, integrated, and sustainable future for the continent.' Central to the meeting's agenda is the reaffirmation of land boundaries and the delimitation of maritime borders between the member states. The proposed Joint Technical Commissions will conduct detailed geospatial assessments, review existing treaties and agreements, and help develop new demarcation protocols consistent with international law and African Union standards. Delivering a statement on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, described the initiative as a 'landmark step toward advancing regional integration, improving cross-border security, and promoting sustainable development across the Mano River basin.' The creation of the commissions demonstrates the MRU's collective commitment to diplomacy, technical cooperation, and legal clarity in resolving disputes that have historically caused tension in the region. Member states reiterated their dedication to peaceful negotiation, respect for international norms, and regional unity. The MRU Secretariat emphasized that the work of the Joint Technical Commissions will be vital in reducing border tensions, strengthening regional governance, and boosting socio-economic collaboration among the four nations. The summit continues through June 19 with technical sessions and intergovernmental consultations aimed at producing a comprehensive roadmap for boundary resolution and cross-border peacebuilding. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.


Times of Oman
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman closely monitoring India-Pakistan situation
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is following with great concern the current military escalation between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sultanate appealed to the two neighbouring countries to halt the dangerous escalation, engage in diplomatic dialogue to reach a resolution, and prioritise political solutions to ensure security, stability, peaceful coexistence, and harmony.