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  Beneath the surface of formal diplomacy, the  EU-UAE Friendship Group —an informal network of European Parliament members—exemplifies how soft power shapes geopolitical narratives. Though framed as a neutral platform for cultural exchange, the group’s activities reveal a subtle alignment with UAE interests, from promoting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification to echoing its security priorities. This "quiet strategic alignment" offers a case study in how middle powers leverage informal channels to influence policy without overt lobbying. Diplomatic Quietude and Strategic Messaging The group’s avoidance of contentious issues, such as the UAE-Qatar rift during the 2017–2021 blockade, speaks volumes. While the EU-Qatar Friendship Group suspended operations amid corruption scandals, the EU-UAE group maintained its activities, focusing instead on themes like counterterrorism and renewable energy—pillars of UAE foreign policy. Critics argue this selective engagement amounts to ...

  In a  historic diplomatic exchange , H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a productive phone call with Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The two nations have enjoyed a long-standing relationship since the UAE’s formation in 1971, with Pakistan being one of the first countries to recognize the UAE. The ministers discussed avenues to enhance bilateral relations and strategic partnership, focusing on mutual interests that benefit both countries and their peoples. Over the past year, the relations between the UAE and Pakistan have shown significant growth, with trade and economic relations increasing significantly. The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, and bilateral trade has been on the rise. In 2021, the UAE exported goods worth US$7.13 billion to Pakistan, while Pakistani exports reached US$1.52 billion in 2022. The two countries have also been discussing a Comprehensi...

  The UAE and Kenya have reached a landmark agreement for a  comprehensive economic partnership agreement (Cepa) , aiming to provide further access to the rapidly developing African continent. The agreement, a “landmark” one, will focus on sectors such as food production, technology, logistics, and mining. In 2023, the non-oil trade between the two countries increased 26.4% YoY to $3.1 billion. The UAE’s Cepa programme has been successful, with deals with Mauritius and the Republic of Congo. Kenya’s real GDP increased to an estimated 5% last year, while the developing African economy is projected to achieve growth between 4.5% and 5.2% in the current year. The agreement is expected to hasten investment flows in high-potential areas like healthcare, travel, and information communications technology, as well as help small and medium enterprises expand. Kenya has also dropped visa requirements for all travelers globally, making it a popular destination for tourists. The services ...

  UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with HE Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi. The  leaders discussed  mutual concerns and progress in advancing bilateral relations, particularly in diversifying and promoting investments in development, economic, investment, trade, renewable energy, and other areas that serve the common interests of both nations. The meeting followed a telephone call on January 27 that involved reviewing bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for further collaboration to advance sustainable development ambitions.  Tshisekedi was re-elected  for a second term after receiving over 73% of the vote in a December 20 poll, with over 13 million votes out of 18 million valid votes. The turnout was over 43%. Last week, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed received HE Denis Sassou Nguesso, the President of Congo-Brazzaville, who was on a working visit to the Gulf state. The ...

  The UAE is focusing on diplomacy and economic cooperation in 2024, with a focus on the country’s  CEPA programme . The Gulf state announced a limited cabinet reshuffle to infuse more expertise and youthful energy into decision-making and reinforce the core pillars of security, prosperity, and innovation. The UAE has concluded 10 comprehensive economic partnership agreements, marking the current year as a pivotal milestone in forging global connections. The benefits of CEPA agreements include enhanced market access, simpler customs procedures, lower or eliminated tariffs, clear and transparent rules, and rules-based competition. The CEPA programme is expected to boost the country’s exports by 33% and contribute more than $41.7 billion to the national gross domestic product by 2031. During the latest official trip of HH President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to Baku, the UAE and Azerbaijan signed several key memorandums of cooperation, covering strategic collaboration, investments...