PSUAD to launch international conference on 'General de Gaulle and the Arab World'

This exceptional event, the first of its kind, takes place on November 16th, 17th, and 18th at the ECSSR. PSUAD would not have able to organize this conference without the valuable collaboration of the Institute of the Arab World, Charles de Gaulle Foundation, the ECSSR and the co-sponsorship of Etihad Airways.

The press conference is headed by H.E. Mr. Alain Azouazou, the French Ambassador to the UAE, Prof. Jean-Paul BLED, Professor of Contemporary History at Paris-Sorbonne University and President of the Scientific Committee of the Conference, Maj. Gen. Omar Al BITAR, Vice President of PSUAD and Prof. Xavier Galmiche, Academic Director of PSUAD.

Today, the media will be briefed on the important topics that over 30 key experts in the geopolitical and political domain will be bringing up through the three days of the conference.

Also, the group of experts coming from France and MENA includes a certain number of personalities who witnessed the de Gaullian era, and who will highlight the overall relationship of General de Gaulle and the Arab world since his first visit to Lebanon in the early 30s until his departure from power in 1969.

The major topics explored will be: the Second World War; the Algerian conflict and the decolonization; the rapprochement with the Arab countries from 1962; the 6 Day War and the distance with Israel and the Assertion of an Arab Policy.

Moreover, the highlight on the first steps of a post-colonial French policy in the Arab world is captured in the conference. The Nuclear Policy of General de Gaulle and De Gaulle's relations with the Muslim World and its History are also analyzed. Interestingly, the conference discusses de Gaulle's relationship with the seven emirates prior to the foundation of the UAE federation.

With this historical approach PSUAD takes another step down the road of excellence proving that it carries the mission of bridging civilisations, and bringing together great minds.