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2/22/24, 2:44 PM Interview: UAE aims to ‘bring back multilateralism’ at MC13 - Borderlex
The topics for MC13 are varied, so we are working with the sectoral coordinators and trying to
bring some of the ideas and solutions that can lead to an agreement.

There is some positivity in Geneva, and this is reflected in my interaction with the ministers.

What would you consider to be a successful outcome at MC13?

A successful outcome will be based on a roadmap for the future of trade which we all what to

see.

We want to have definite concrete outcomes on key topics, such as dispute settlement reform,
fisheries subsidies, and the e-commerce moratorium. We want to have clear roadmaps through to

the end of the year, or until MC14, with fully endorsed and clear outcomes on these topics.

On historical issues which have not been moving for quite some time – these are the topics that

we are going to put huge efforts into to ensure that at least we come out with a roadmap with a

clear timeline for those topics.

There are no pre-set outcomes for these kinds of meetings. At the end of the day it’s a
negotiation between member states.

We are going to move from technical negotiations between delegations in Geneva to the political
deal that’s going to happen between ministers in Abu Dhabi. That is the nature of our work. We

are looking forward to having the ministers with us.

Having worked on the ‘inside’ of the WTO in the run-up to MC13, do you have a view on

the extent to which the organisation is in need of reform?

The WTO is the only ‘go-to’ organisation when it comes to trade matters. For us, and for the rest

of the world, it is the only organisation which brings everyone on board.

Consensus has always been the principle that drives it. If we were to move away from consensus
to a majority basis or any other mode, this would be for member states to decide. This is a

member-driven organisation and we will work with everyone in the interests of trade and the
global economy.

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