Partnerships In Battles Of The Future: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's Visit To London
19 March 2018
By Ghassan Charbel
Britain sought to show exceptional attention to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed
bin Salman's visit to London. This is not strictly tied to the historic ties
between Saudi Arabia and Britain or the deals and agreements that were
expected to be announced during his trip. Saudi Arabia is experiencing a
comprehensive reform and modernization workshop. This battle demands
partnerships and expertise possessed by advanced countries. Britain, which is
preparing to exit the European Union, needs economic partners that can
compensate for the losses it will incur from Brexit. On top of the
above-mentioned reasons, the new Saudi Arabia represents a trustworthy
partner.
Those monitoring Prince Mohammed's current tour, and previously the Asian tour
of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, realize the
importance major countries are placing on the new Saudi Arabia. In London, as
in Tokyo and Beijing before it, there is a firm conviction that the current
Saudi Arabia is a Saudi Arabia that knows what it wants and announces it. It
wants to have a strong economy and witness prosperity and stability. It wants
coexistence, moderation and tolerance. The guardian of the current Saudi dream
means it when he says that Riyadh has turned its back on the time when
extremists were given power over locations and in communicating with the
other.
Saudi delegations now speak in a modern language in search of the future.
Their words are no longer about intentions and wishes. Saudi ministers are
meeting their counterparts from around the world with visions and projects
that are backed by figures and studies as part of a major transformation that
is summed up in Vision 2030.
It was evident during Prince Mohammed's trip to Britain that this major and
prestigious country is following with interest the economic and social
developments in Saudi Arabia and the dynamism that is currently shaping the
Kingdom. London believes that the current major change taking place in Saudi
Arabia is not limited to it alone, but encompasses the rest of the Arab and
Muslim worlds where it enjoys extraordinary clout.
The British and international interest in the current changes taking place in
Saudi Arabia goes beyond the active role it is playing in combating terrorism.
It also goes beyond the economic and investment opportunities that are
provided by the close cooperation with Saudi Arabia. There is a growing
feeling that Saudi Arabia is preparing itself to be a major and effective
partner in the battles of the future.
The future is not a gift that is presented to you. Time is not in the habit of
handing out free prizes. The future is something that you make and whose price
you pay. There is no point here in wasting time in fear, hesitation or relying
on the past. The future is a battle that begins today. The countries that are
ranked among the elite in the world are the ones who have been aware of this
battle early on. They are countries that realized the importance of deeply
understanding abilities, needs and opportunities. They are aware of the need
for new equations, flexible policies and effective institutions that can hold
individuals into account, have the ability to correct errors and be
innovative.
Amid the successive scientific and technological revolutions, the question is:
How will your country look like after two decades or more? How many job
opportunities will be available for the new generations? What education will
allow you to join open revolutions and provide the ability to compete and
advance? What will your economy be like? What will be the outcome of the
comprehensive development battle? What partnerships will you be able to build?
One cannot read the future through the eyes of the past. The developments of
the past two decades have laid to rest policies and rules that were once
thought to be unshakable. Powers are no longer simply assessed through the
sizes of armies. The world has changed.
Your position on the regional and international table depends above all else
on the power of your economy, its dynamism and constant ability to develop and
discover new opportunities. Prosperity is a guarantee for stability. Progress
takes societies away from old wars and brings them into the battles of the
future. These are battles of development, progress, contentment and the
elimination of everything that can violate man's humanity. The army itself can
age quickly if it does not live in a strong economy.
The future is the keyword to understanding the actions of the Saudi Crown
Prince and the messages he delivered during his tour. The Egyptian stop falls
under this category. Saudi-Egyptian ties are very important for the Arab world
given the meddling their region is a victim of. The two countries can help
lead the Arab world the same way German and French cooperation leads Europe.
The Crown Prince's visit to the Coptic Church is a fulfillment of his
statements on the return of the moderate Islam. The same spirit was present
during his visit to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The new Saudi Arabia is a Saudi Arabia that is confident in itself and its
youth. This is why it is heading to the world with plans for partnerships that
are ultimately aimed at building a better world. Saudi Arabia wants to
diversify its economy and attract investments. It wants job opportunities for
youths that have the ability to innovate. It wants education that is linked to
scientific and technological revolutions. It wants a modern health sector and
greater awareness of environment issues. It wants culture and recreation. It
wants a natural relationship with the world and ties that are based on mutual
interests and joint responsibilities. These are the battles of the future.
They are waged through building bridges, not constructing walls. They are
based on deep partnerships, not fleeting and temporary understandings.
Ghassan Charbel is the editor-in-chief of Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper
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