Jordan Times
Sunday, April 29, 2007
King calls on young leaders to
create new dialogue of respect between cultures
AMMAN (JT) — Arab and Asian government, business, academic and civil society
leaders agreed to launch 10 joint initiatives dealing with issues of common
concern in Asia and the Middle East at the conclusion of a two-day forum in
Singapore on Saturday.
Participants at the Young Arab Leaders Global Forum: Arab Asian Dialogue, who
focused on developing ways to leverage opportunities and overcome common
challenges faced by the two regions at intensive workshops, arrived at the 10
action-oriented commitments yesterday, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The mutually beneficial initiatives seek to address common issues that impact
both Asia and the Middle East in three strategic areas: Economy, media culture
and leadership.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by HRH Prince Feisal at the opening session
on Friday, His Majesty King Abdullah, expressed his keenness to support the
Young Arab Leaders and stressed the importance of building trust between the
Arab leaders and their Asian, European and American counterparts through
dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
Highlighting the “emerging, and critical, nexus between Asia and the Middle
East,” the Monarch said the relationship between Asia and the Arab world as an
“ancient” one.
“But our modern connections are energised by today’s multipolar global system.
In recent decades, many more players are shaping world trends. Developing as
well as newly developed countries are having a significant impact on the global
marketplace and on international policy. And this influence reflects not only
the achievements of individual nations, but a new level of interregional
cooperation as well. More and more, we are each other’s partners in progress and
prosperity — leveraging our strengths, sharing solutions to common challenges,
and increasing our say in world events,” the King said in his speech.
“I believe that what we have achieved is only the beginning. There is a future
for partnership in many other critical areas. There are obvious shared benefits
from working together on cross-border challenges like health, environment, and
security. We have vital intersecting interests in key fields from energy to
technology,” he added in his address.
Underlining the important role of young leaders, the King concluded his address
by calling on them “to create a new dialogue of respect between cultures. To
find innovative solutions to shared concerns. To leverage our partnership for
progress and peace. And to encourage all those who look to you for inspiration.”
The forum presented participants with a platform to exchange information and
insights into the two regions as they seek to build strong, long-lasting
relationships that extend beyond business opportunities.
“What is propelling this interaction is the belief that Asia and the Middle East
can benefit by consolidating our friendship and cooperation. Although there are
significant cultural differences, we also share similar interests and common
challenges. We do not have deep historical baggage or ideological barriers
preventing us from developing closer ties. We can benefit from sharing
experiences and working together,” Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong of the Republic
of Singapore, said in his address at the forum.
Meanwhile, Prince Feisal, on the sidelines of the forum, met with the
Singaporean minister in the presence of Jordan’s Ambassador in Jakarta Mohammad
Daoudiyeh and discussed bilateral cooperation and means of enhancing them in
various fields.