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The 15th Doha Forum 2015 and Enriching the Middle East’s Economic Future Conference concluded here yesterday with discussions on a wide range of issues such as Arab Spring, prospects for democratic change, social security, human rights and regional and international crises.
The participants from about 100 countries also highlighted the importance of stability and development in East Africa and security, justice, equality and the fight against terrorism in Iraq, in addition to the role of international organizations, international community and the Security Council in meeting people’s aspiration for stability.
Addressing the closing session, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi said that the Doha Forum provided a comprehensive assessment of hot issues related to democracy, development and trade in the Middle East, the Arab countries and the world.
Qatar, he said, underlined that the promotion and protection of human rights are one of the most important demands for the Arab peoples who have been demanding change and commitment to the principles of good governance as a real guarantee of freedom and social justice.
He stressed that peace is the best and strategic option for the Middle East, expressing his confidence that the Doha Forum through discussions has reached conclusions to this end.
Steven L Spiegel, Director of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Middle East Development, who chaired the closing session, said participants in the Doha Forum spent 72 hours discussing several issues and challenges facing the Middle East region, underlining their belief that the United States started to withdraw from the region at the same time suspicions of the region’s population are growing about western intervention in it.
He added that participants agreed that disputes in Iraq, Yemen and Syria are not sectarian but rather a conflict over geopolitical ambitions.