The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) hosted on Tuesday at its office complex in Abu Dhabi a lecture entitled Current Socio-Political Developments in the Middle East – which was delivered by John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia.
In his lecture, Howard praised the progressive ties between the UAE and Australia, saying around 16,000 Australian citizens live in the UAE. He also made reference to the partnership between Emirates and Qantas airlines.
He said the UAE's economic resilience was evident in its quick recovery following the global financial crisis, thanks to the vision of its wise leadership.
Howard described Dae'sh terrorist group as the major challenge facing the Middle East and the world in present time. He added that countries of the world that share the same human values and principles should cooperate to address such a challenge.