Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy represents UAE at 19th Annual Crans Montana Forum in Monaco

Held from 26-29 June, the key gathering brought together over 1,000 global decision makers, including heads of state and corporate leaders, to deliberate on 'The New Role of the Mediterranean: Strategies toward Central, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Arab World'.

Co-chairing a plenary session on 28 June, titled 'Gulf States and International Cooperation', H.E. Al Hashimy highlighted the growing global dimension of the UAE economy, and elaborated on the country's overseas investments.

H.E. Al Hashimy said:

"UAE is a leading economic force not only in the GCC but in the region as a whole. Our forward looking investment policy and openness has increased our competitiveness and allowed us to play a truly shaping role in emerging markets."

Tabled as a point of discussion during the session was the emergence of Gulf states as top investors and developers in the southern Mediterranean region as well as Central and Eastern Europe.

The Prix de la Fondation, a Crans Montana Annual Prize, was awarded to several global personalities some of which are Mrs. Benazir Bhutto, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan (posthumously); Mrs. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner President of the Republic, Argentina; and H.R.H Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud Chairman, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, Saudi Arabia.

The international viewpoint on the increasing synergy between the Gulf states and the world was presented by Tokia Saïfi, MEP., Former Minister, Chair, Committee on Political Affairs, Euro‐Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly; Peter Jungen, Co-Chairman, Economic and Social Policy Committee, European People's Party; Yazid Sabeg, Chairman, CS Communication and Systèmes; and Jacques Barrot, Vice President, European Commission.

Created in 1986, Crans Montana Forum is an international organization that is well recognised for its commitment to the creation of a more humane world. In its endeavour to promote international cooperation, CMF contributes to global growth through best practices and synergetic dialogue, while ensuring a high level of stability, equity and security.

The first CMF was dedicated to the political and economic reconstruction of the post Cold War Europe.