Abu Dhabi, UAE – 1 May 2024 – His Excellency Nabil Fahmi, renowned diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Egypt, discussed political dynamics around the world and the critical role of the Middle East in it at the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2024).
The session was titled afterH.E.’s book ‘In the Making: Navigating the Middle East Amidst Global Changes and Regional Dynamics’, which came under the spotlight at ADIBF. It brought the former minister together with Dr. Hamad Alkaabi, Chief News Centre Officer at Abu Dhabi Media Network.
During the discussion, H.E. Fahmi shed light on the ongoing conflict between the United States, Russia, and China over reshaping the existing international system following the end of the Cold War. While Russia and China call for a multipolar system, Washington seeks to maintain hegemony.
H.E. went on to explain that the relationship between world powers is strained due to the imbalance in power, noting the military is a key factor in maintaining harmony and peace in any country. The world monetary order was originally based on gold, but by the end of the Nixon administration, the dollar had more power. World powers like China and Russia were not happy with this new way.
Having worked in the public sector for 30 years, Fahmi is considered a specialist in both the public and private sectors. The former minister discussed the political dynamics that are shaping the world order and the Middle East, stressing that it is essential that any ministry listen to thinkers and intellectuals before developing policies.
Furthermore, H.E. discussed his book in the session, which outlines his vision for how resolving problems and tensions. Focusing on the present state of affairs, Fahmi said: “We are diplomatically in a complex geographical state because of the US and Russia. When I was Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, those in positions of authority knew I had to make necessary plans and decisions.”
The West is pushing bad common grounds, he cautioned, urging that negotiations must be frank. “You cannot ridicule other countries and deprive them of their rights under international law,” he said. “For instance, the Oslo Accords maintained peace in the region initially, but were later considered null and void.”
“All Arab nations have to act collectively, especially regarding peace and war,” he continued. “We don’t have to be superior to each other. Any Western country that wants to have a dialogue, I welcome them to take the initiative to deal with tensions in the region.”
The session concluded with a book signing where the veteran diplomat autographed copies of his book for visitors at the Fair.
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), from 29 April to 5 May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) under the slogan ‘Where the World’s Tales Unfold’. This year’s edition of the Fair welcomes 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, including 140 publishers participating for the first time.
