Naples, Italy: Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, Reem Al Hashimy has said that collective regional efforts can make ongoing Gaza peace process durable.

On the second day of the high-level regional session at Mediterranean Dialogues Conference 2025, held in Naples, Italy, from October 15 to 17, Al Hashimy, delivered a compelling and wide-ranging address that touched on the fragile peace efforts in Gaza, the UAE's humanitarian leadership, and the country's vision for a future grounded in stability, innovation, and dialogue.

Speaking with urgency and empathy, Al Hashimy underscored the devastation of Gaza, describing the humanitarian situation as“unthinkable.” She detailed the UAE's leading role in relief operations, noting that her country has contributed $1.8bn in humanitarian aid since the conflict began.“We've sent over 8,000 aid trucks, established hospitals, and even built desalination plants to ensure survival and dignity,” she said.

She acknowledged the fragility of the ongoing peace process but emphasized the collective regional effort to make it durable.“Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have worked closely with our European and American allies,” she said.“We are united by one goal - to end this suffering and build a lasting peace.”

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Addressing questions about Gaza's future governance, Al Hashimy was firm:“Palestinians should be governed by Palestinians.” She highlighted discussions in Paris on creating an international stabilisation force, noting that while no troops were planned for deployment yet, the focus remained on supporting Palestinian institutions and security structures through regional cooperation with Jordan and Egypt.

Reflecting on the fifth anniversary of the Abraham Accords, Al Hashimy described peace with Israel as a“strategic and irreversible choice” aimed at reshaping the Middle East. She recalled her role in summoning the Israeli ambassador following recent tensions, stressing that open dialogue remains essential even in difficult times.

“The Accords were designed to prevent annexation and promote coexistence,” she said.“We built a synagogue in our Abrahamic Family House because we believe understanding among faiths is the foundation for peace.” Turning to bilateral relations, Al Hashimy praised the partnership between the UAE and Italy under H E Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's leadership.“Our relationship has transformed,” she said.“We're working together in renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. Italy has become a key partner - a portal to wider cooperation with Europe.” She cited major projects, including a data center partnership between Eni and UAE's Fresna, and a regional electricity pipeline linking Albania, Italy, and the UAE. Negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership with the European Union are also underway.

In one of the most poignant moments, Al Hashimy recounted her nation's transformation.“Before 1971, we were pearl divers living in poverty,” she said.“When oil came, we made a conscious decision never to rely on a single resource again.” That decision spurred diversification into renewable energy, with early investments in Masdar and the hosting of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Today, the UAE is betting big on artificial intelligence.“AI is not going away,” she said.“We are investing heavily to ensure it serves education, healthcare, and equitable development.” The minister outlined the UAE's expanding investments in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of sustainable infrastructure and energy transition.“We hosted COP28 because we believe the planet demands more from us,” she said, referencing global climate challenges.

On regional security, Al Hashimy described the UAE's approach to Iran as pragmatic but firm.“Iran is a neighbour and a partner,” she said.“We do not want conflict, but we will not allow instability in our neighbourhood.” She stressed that the UAE rejects extremism in all forms:“Hate speech is the seed of violence. In the UAE, everyone - regardless of nationality or faith - is treated with dignity.” As the session drew to a close, Al Hashimy reflected on the uncertain future with cautious optimism.“I pray that a year from now, the wars in Gaza and Europe will have ended,” she said.“Our world faces natural disasters and environmental strain, but the power of partnerships gives me hope.” Her closing words captured both her nation's philosophy and personal conviction:“We owe it to our children to leave them a world better than the one we inherited. That is what drives us forward - peace, dignity, and shared prosperity.”

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