Page 667 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2024

2/22/24, 2:44 PM Interview: UAE aims to ‘bring back multilateralism’ at MC13 - Borderlex
MC12 [in June 2022] contributed to this goal. We want to continue this momentum and build a
platform for our colleagues in Cameroon who will host MC14.

I am very confident that MC13 will deliver proof that the organization is fully functional.

We in the UAE consider ourselves a global meeting place, and we do have a very strong track
record when it comes to hosting international events and bringing everyone on board.

We staged Expo 2020 in Dubai in the middle of the pandemic – and last year we achieved a
consensus agreement on climate change at COP28. This will push us to reaffirm our commitment

to multilateralism and free trade.

What made the UAE decide to bid to host MC13?

We want to go back to the roots of our economy, which is trade. For centuries, the UAE has been

a hub for regional trade. We’re going to continue promoting international principles when it

comes to the WTO and freedom of movement for goods and services

Look at what we have achieved in the UAE – we have signed 13 bilateral economic partnership
agreements with countries from east and west.

That’s why the UAE decided to take on this task to show the world that a lot can be done
together if we have that spirit of commitment and openness, focusing on outcomes and on the

overall macro picture.

How involved have you and the UAE trade team been in trying to facilitate compromise

agreements on the different issues at stake at MC13?

Over the past year we have met with over 100 ministers from different groupings and continents

to ensure a successful outcome at MC13.

I have been involved with the whole process and have been working in coordination with Dr
Ngozi [Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the WTO] and the chair of the WTO general council

[Athaliah Molokomme of Botswana] to ensure that all members are working transparently and
inclusively.

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