UAE’s political process based on gradualism

“Our country has embarked on a political modernisation programme that embraces gradualism as its cornerstone and the stability of our nation as a vital objective. Our goal is, therefore, to move at a pace that suits the cultural context of our society and that allows time for a wider participation,” said Dr Gargash.

The minister’s remarks made available to Khaleej Times came during the minister’s visit to Singapore recently.

The three-day official visit was part of the UAE’s bid to further strengthen ties with that dynamic Asian country. Delivering a lecture titled, ‘Changing political landscapes in the Middle East: Implications for the UAE’ at the Singapore Management University (SMU), the minister outlined the changes taking place in the UAE in socio-political and economic fields.

He said the UAE has friendly ties with Singapore which must be developed further at all levels. He praised the effectiveness and efficiency of the Singaporean government for stimulating economic development and investing in its human capital.

“The UAE is the second largest trading partner of Singapore in the Middle East with a bilateral trade relationship worth Dh26.9 billion during 2006. It is, therefore, also important that our friendship and cooperation move forward in other areas. Singapore and the UAE are both young nations that have achieved a great deal in a short period of time,” said Dr Gargash during a meeting with Singapore Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zainal Abidin Rasheed.

Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister and former Prime Minister of Singapore, praised the UAE for its laudable developmental efforts over the past decade which have seen the UAE emerge as a model Arab state in the region, and credited this development to the wise leadership of the country.