JEDDAH, 13 April 2006 — A large Saudi delegation is taking part in the first Euro-Arab Dialogue Forum set at the Arab World Institute in Paris from April 26-28. The theme of the forum is “Prospects and contents of a Euro-Arab strategic partnership.”
“It’s a strong diplomatic gesture that falls within the continuity of the state visit of French President Jacques Chirac to Saudi Arabia in early March,” Saleh Bakr El-Tayar, secretary-general of the Franco-Arab Chamber of Commerce, said yesterday.
“(Chirac’s) visit confirmed the ‘convergence of view’ between France and the Kingdom and calls for more partnerships,” El-Tayar added.
During his trip, Chirac spoke in favor of the dialogue, and suggested that the France and the Kingdom should make a joint effort to thwart the attempts that stir up fanaticism and share the values for promoting better understanding.
The first Euro-Arab Dialogue Forum was launched as a new instrument to strengthen the relations between Europe and the Arab world. The forum, officially launched on Feb. 8 in Cairo by Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa, is co-organized by the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries and the Arab World Institute.
Within the scope of 14 workshops, the forum will look into issues related to global changes and their repercussions for Europe and the Arab world, the image of the “other” in Arab and European media, Euro-Arab cooperation mechanisms in economy knowledge, future of Euro-Arab relations, role of the common cultural heritage in supporting the alliance of civilizations and cooperation in the energy sector.
Some other issues to be deliberated are the role of the private sector supporting social development; youth education and development policies; economy and partnership — development perspectives; toward a new Arab world; European from Arab origins — their role in supporting cooperation between the shores of the Mediterranean; experiences of non-governmental cooperation; and investment constraints and opportunities.
The delegation will include representatives of ministries of foreign affairs, higher education, culture, information and commerce and industry. Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed, president of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, with some members from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam chambers, and Saleh Al-Zahrani, a member of the security commission of the Consultative Committee, are also expected to participate.
