Emirates Diplomatic Academy Hosts King of Spain at World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies Reception

Press release

Published July 17th, 2018 - 11:38 GMT

During the event

The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) held a networking reception in the presence of His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain at the fifth World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies (WOCMES) in Seville, Spain.

The inaugural reception of the Congress drew the participation of over 200 dignitaries and experts from Spain and the Middle East studies community worldwide. The event took place on the opening day of WOCMES, which is running from 16 to 22 July and convenes nearly 3,000 scholars, media representatives and diplomacy professionals from over 70 countries.

Addressing the audience at the opening ceremony, His Majesty King Felipe VI said: “The Mediterranean must be the shared space of peace, prosperity and stability for which our citizens yearn. This goal requires a joint responsibility that goes beyond the countries of the Mediterranean because the stability and prosperity of European societies is – and has always been – closely linked to the destiny of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.”

His Majesty added: “I would like to take the opportunity presented by this Congress to reaffirm Spain’s unwavering commitment to championing initiatives that help offer effective political and economic responses to the challenges posed by the region.”

His Excellency Bernardino León, Director General of EDA, said: “It is a great honour for EDA to host His Majesty King Felipe VI. His Majesty’s attendance is testimony to the Academy’s progress in promoting the UAE among the world’s most distinguished leaders.”

He added: “As the country’s leading international relations and diplomatic institution, EDA seeks to address questions, exchange knowledge and explore insights on the Middle East in the broadest sense. We make it our mission to enrich the world’s knowledge about Middle East governance, society and culture. Through our participation in WOCMES, we can showcase our research, develop our international networks and partnerships, and support the UAE’s foreign policy through dialogue with our peers from around the world.”

EDA is one of the sponsors of WOCMES. On the opening day, the Academy organised a policy-oriented panel discussion with its students and faculty. The event focused on two themes of high relevance for UAE and regional diplomacy: the role of small countries in regional politics and soft power.

EDA will also hold an academic panel discussion with presentations from its faculty and students. The panellists will explore how the foreign policies of countries of the GCC region, particularly the UAE, are changing as they take on a more visible role in the wider region. The Academy is also hosting an exhibition of books and other publications authored by its faculty to highlight its research at a dedicated stand throughout the week.

WOCMES serves as a meeting point to present and discuss the latest studies concerning the Middle East, encompassing diverse perspectives from conflict analysis and resolution to migration, water, the environment, culture and media.

Background Information

Emirates Diplomatic Academy

n today’s rapidly evolving global environment, where national security and prosperity increasingly depend on informed and well-connected government leaders and policy makers, promoting the UAE’s interests worldwide is more important than ever before.

To support the mission of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) was launched in 2014 and has become the driving force in the ministry’s efforts to educate, inform and qualify the UAE’s current and future diplomats and government leaders to represent our country on the global stage.