Visionary leadership, strong defence and balanced foreign policy

Mehmood-Ul-Hassan Khan

It is the lesson of the whole human civilization that visionary leadership plays very important role in the socio-economic development, geo-politics stability and above all geo-strategic strength. United Arab Emirates visionary leadership has succeeded to transform every aspect of its society and brought the elements of commitment, coordination and cooperation. Now society is liberal, open and icon of tradition and modernity. Institutions are now efficient and on the right road of perfection, efficacy and productivity. UAE has strong deterrence in shape of its efficient armed forces. Has also balanced and rationale foreign policy which has reduced confrontation and produced conflict resolution.

Strong Armed Forces

The UAE has strong and reliable deterrence. It continues to strengthen its armed forces, with the top priority. Personnel are equipped with the latest sophisticated military and defence technology and systems. Its armed forces have succeeded in assimilating knowledge of how to operate many modern defence systems and technologies in a relatively short period of time. Now UAE has become one of the most advanced armed forces in the region. The military strategy of the UAE and its plans for building an integrated strong defence system are based on a determination to protect its higher interests, to defend the nation, to strengthen its sovereignty and to acquire an advanced, defence force with a deterrent capability that can protect the nation, its people and their gain. It is hope that UAE will forge ahead with its strategic plans and modernisation of its armed forces and with plans to strengthen its defence capabilities with the most sophisticated equipment and weaponry.

It is seemed that the diversification of its sources of weapons supply is a political decision that reflects the principles adopted by the UAE since its inception. This decision has been proved correct and has provided sound support for our independent national decision-making and our national higher interest.” As a result of this policy, the country’s armed forces are now able not only to provide a defensive shield for the country but have also taken a role in humanitarian and other missions abroad. In particular, they have played an important and effective role in the support of UN and other humanitarian and peacekeeping missions at both regional and international levels. These missions, however dangerous and variable, posed a challenge which was adequately met by highly accommodating logistic personnel.

At the same time, there have been wide-ranging efforts to strengthen collaboration with sisterly and friendly countries so as to improve training and exchange experiences. Apart from their military and defence mission, the UAE armed forces have also engaged in relief operations delivering emergency assistance to those affected by floods, earthquakes and other disasters. One recent example comes from Yemen, where the armed forces played an important role in delivering relief supplies, including food and medical supplies and services, after major floods. The immaculate armed forces assures that sovereignty, national pride and people’s dignity is in safe hands.

Balanced Foreign Policy

Foreign policy is the reflection of country’s internal socio-economic compulsions, geo-political seriousness and above all geo-strategic implications and UAE is not any exemption.

Goal of achieving security and stability in the Gulf region is supposed to be a vital priority for the UAE’s balanced foreign policy. It consists of respect for international law, peaceful co-existence, promotion of confidence-building measures, good neighbourliness, mutual respect, and the last not the least non-intervention in the internal affairs of states and the peaceful settlement of existing differences

Main Threats

(a) International financial crisis and economic recession
(b) The impact of climate change
(c) The increase of regional and global unemployment and poverty ratios
(d) Outbreaks of infectious diseases i.e. swine, AIDS etc.
(e) The lack of security and stability in a number of regional countries
(f) The stalemate in the Middle East peace process especially Israel-Palestine issue
(g) Increasing shortage of water reservoirs
(h) High energy security concerns
(i) Big issue of emerging food security
(j) The continued primacy of military solutions over peaceful options and soft power in international affairs

1. Commitment to Afghanistan

The UAE continues to make a significant humanitarian contribution in Afghanistan, and has done so since 2003. The UAE Red Crescent has invested $19 million in local projects, and the UAE Government has dedicated $30 million to international reconstruction efforts in the country. And the UAE people have made $22 million in private contributions. These investments have contributed to the construction of 11 schools, 6 medical clinics, a major hospital, a public library and numerous mosques, among other projects.

The UAE has a military presence in Afghanistan, with a strictly defensive purpose, consistent with the UAE Constitution. The UAE Armed Forces on the ground are focused on the protection of humanitarian initiatives and ensuring safety and stability for local communities. Personnel are also directly involved in culturally sensitive community development activities, especially necessitating knowledge of the Arabic language or Islamic traditions, alongside representatives of key humanitarian organizations such as the Red Crescent. Recent achievements in healthcare, education and the provision of basic infrastructure can in part be attributed to the work of the UAE Armed Forces in the provision of safety, stability and culturally sensitive community development.

2. Geo-political and Geo-strategic problem of Islands with Iran

The UAE repeats its expression of disappointment at the continued occupation by the Iran since 1971 of the three UAE islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. The UAE demands the return of these islands to its full sovereignty, including their regional waters, airspace, continental shelf and their exclusive economic zone, these being integral parts of the UAE.” economic zone, these being integral parts of the UAE. All military and administrative measures taken by the Iranian Government in these islands are null and void and have no legal standing regardless of how long the occupation may last.

UAE call upon the international community and international power brokers to urge Iran to respond to the peaceful and sincere initiatives of the UAE. UAE initiatives has been supported and adopted by the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as the League of Arab States. They call for a just settlement of this issue, either through direct and serious negotiations between the two countries or by referring the issue to the International Court of Justice in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and the provisions of international law.”

3. Withdraw of Forces from Iraq

As a matter of principles, UAE wants the gradual withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq and the extension of the authority of its Government over all its territory. UAE reaffirms its long-standing support to the people and the Government of Iraq. In particular, UAE supports their efforts to expedite the rebuilding of their security, legislative and economic institutions. UAE also supports the accomplishment of national reconciliation, which constitutes the real guarantee of the success of a comprehensive and totally inclusive political process in Iraq that would include all sects and components of the Iraqi people, without discrimination or exception.

4. Support of Middle East peace process

UAE shows great disappointment at the failure of the Middle East process. UAE showed great concerns about the suffocating blockade imposed on the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, the continued rejection by Israel of internationally-valid resolutions and the further annexation of Palestinian and Arab territories. UAE also wish to emphasise that the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East requires Israel to withdraw fully from all occupied Arab territories in Palestine and from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights to the line of 4th June 1967. It also requires Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories in southern Lebanon based on the principle of Land for Peace, and in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative and its requirements. UAE stands by and support the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian people.

5. Smooth supply of energy resources

The UAE would continue to ensure that its oil and gas exports would continue to be supplied to the international community, without restrictions and without political or non-political impediments. The UAE also fully recognised the importance of these supplies to the global economy.

The foreign policy of the UAE is based on the principles of the conflict resolution; result-oriented, peace-loving and above all firm believes in diplomacy, dialogue and deterrence which are now paying the dividends.

Concluding Remarks

It is evident that strong defence and balanced foreign policy could not have been possible without the visionary leadership the late Shaikh Zayed, the late Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and their brothers the Rulers of the Emirates. We hope that bilateral relationship between Pakistan and UAE will be further strengthened. We also hope that both the countries would work together in many regional and international issues. Long live leaders of the UAE.