The Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA)on Thursday 17 December, virtually hosted Avi Berkowitz, Assistant to the U.S. President and Special Representative for International Negotiations, along with His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the U.S. and Minister of State, in its latest ‘EDA Next 50 Talks,’ titled ‘The Abraham Accords and U.S. Foreign Policy.’
The virtual discussion was moderated by His Excellency Bernardino León, Director General of the EDA, and attended by EDA’s professors, researchers and staff, along with a number of the UAE’s leading future diplomats. The vital session shed light on how the historic Abraham Accords signed by the UAE and Israel in September 2020, support and demonstrate the benefits of peace for the Middle East region.
The Assistant to the U.S. President and Special Representative for International Negotiations, Avi Berkowitz, said: “It is an honour to be here today and speak about something that is so important to me and something that Ambassador Al Otaiba and I worked so hard on.”
“There were a lot of countries that were thinking of ways to improve their relationship with Israel, but there are a lot of risks in that – and it takes a lot of courage. The UAE and the leaders of the UAE took courage in taking that step, which inspired other countries to also show courage,” he added.
Berkowitz pointed out that when it comes to negotiating, diplomats must consider what brings value to their country.
“When negotiations take place, be comfortable about being uncomfortable for a significant period of time. Keep in mind that you might not get a resolution for something, even though your intentions are in the right place.”
Berkowitz added that from the moment the Abraham Accords were signed, the vast majority of Israelis preferred the outcome of the agreement and “forgot about the annexation” of the West Bank territory.
“We believe this deal is a big game changer for the region. The UAE shows a great model for tolerance. I couldn’t be prouder to work with the UAE, as a Jewish person and as an American.I think the Abraham Accords put the UAE in a new league, it took tremendous courage and people are now approaching the UAE in a different light,” he added.
His Excellency, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, said: “The Abraham Accords were a win for diplomacy. Diplomacy gets the credit for achieving something that the region desperately needed. The Abraham Accords set off a chain reaction of events, where the full outcome will appear much later.”
“We have proven that we are not the only ones who can do this successfully, but three other countries proved this as well, within a matter of four months,” he added.
His Excellency noted that negotiation skills were key in the moments leading up to the Abraham Accords.
“I think it is very important for every diplomat to be a good negotiator. In most negotiations, you have to gain something and give something up, but this was not the case here, we both wanted the same outcome. If your outcome is ultimately a win-win deal, there is very little tension,” he added.
The Ambassador advised the EDA’strainee diplomats to focus on building trust and transparent relationships in their diplomatic career: “Focus on your skills set. It is important to build strong relationships that are built on trust, credibility and transparency. If you have these relationships, you will do well regardless of where you are posted. Try to build your relationships on solid ground. Separate your personality and beliefs from your analysis and assessments – this is key for all diplomats.”
His Excellency Bernardino León said: “It was an honour to welcome two of the main driving forces behind the historic Abraham Accords at our latest ‘EDA Next 50 Talks.’ Our guest speakers provided our students and future diplomats of the UAE with special insights on the necessary diplomatic skills needed to negotiate and sign a historic peace deal, the most important of which is trust in the other party as well as courage to be a trailblazer in forging peaceful relations.”
He further added: “Our guests also shed light on how the Abraham Accords improve the lives of the region’s peoples, regardless of their creed or identity, as well as bolster regional trade and economic growth through an expansion of businesses and tourism, improving technology and agricultural productivity, and of course, strengthening stability and security through bilateral relations.”
“The Abraham Accords prove that diplomacy, cooperation, understanding and tolerance can leave conflicts and disputes in the past, and move forward to a hopeful future – in order to improve the lives of generations to come,” added the EDA’s Director General.
The ‘EDA Next 50 Talks,’ which is built on a futuristic approach, brings together local and international experts, who discuss new trends for the crucial field of diplomacy. The creative-themed inspirational talks welcome experts within various fields – from diplomacy, education, and technology – to healthcare, the economy, and even, arts and culture.
