State Minister Saïd Al Hajri participated in the 'India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor - IMEC' conference held in the Italian city of Trieste, a step that confirms the UAE's commitment to enhancing investment partnership with the Italian Republic and expanding the horizons of cooperation between the two countries. The conference was organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency. It brought together an elite of high-ranking officials, leading institutions, and business leaders from Europe, India, the Middle East, the United States, and other partner countries to discuss the implementation pathways of the economic corridor project between India, the Middle East, and Europe. Al Hajri stated that the UAE and brotherly and friendly countries have been facing treacherous attacks from Iran for the past three weeks. Since the beginning of Iranian aggressions against the UAE, which included the launch of more than 2,063 ballistic missiles and drones targeting infrastructure, civilian sites, and vital facilities, two members of the armed forces were martyred while performing their national duty, six civilians were killed, and 158 people were injured. He affirmed that these attacks represent a grave violation of international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law, a violation of the sovereignty of the UAE and several brotherly and friendly countries, and a direct threat to their security and stability. They also disrupted global trade, maritime routes, and energy security, with their effects extending far beyond the region. Al Hajri emphasized that the United Arab Emirates will remain a country of security and stability where more than 200 nationalities live in harmony, and that it will not tolerate any infringement on its sovereignty, retains its full right to self-defense, and seeks sustainable regional stability based on respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. He added that despite these challenges, the UAE continues to play its role as a major global hub for logistics and international connectivity. He also pointed out that initiatives like the IMEC corridor are a cornerstone for enhancing economic resilience and securing supply chains, stressing that their successful implementation depends on effective governmental coordination, active private sector participation, and the provision of appropriate financing mechanisms. The UAE's participation in the conference highlighted the country's pivotal role in implementing the economic corridor project between India, the Middle East, and Europe. It contributed to its establishment as one of the foundational signatories of the memorandum of understanding for this initiative, which was launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023. As a strategic bridge connecting the economies of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, the UAE is uniquely positioned to boost investment, trade, and logistics flows through the corridor, supported by world-class ports, integrated logistics platforms, advanced digital connectivity assets, and strong investment frameworks.
