We all know the regional situation is complex. But the Mediterranean Dialogue remains a unique multilateral forum, where Israel and six Arab countries can discuss together with European and North American countries common security challenges.Thus did Iraqis play dangerous games in South Yemen, Algerians support a government-in-exile against Sadat, and six Arab states actively helped factions in the Lebanese civil war.The European Union has pursued negotiations with Mercosur, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and the Syrian Arab Republic, and six Arab, Caribbean and Pacific regions for economic partnership agreements.
The Lebanese civil war, which raged from 1975 to 1990, saw the involvement of various external players, including six Arab states that actively supported differing factions within the conflict. This external support played a significant role in both escalating the violence and shaping the political landscape of Lebanon. Amid such regional upheaval, global powers continued to explore economic cooperation avenues in the Middle East and beyond. The European Union, recognizing the need to establish strong trade ties and promote stability in regions prone to conflicts, initiated negotiations with several key entities. Among these are Mercosur, a South American trade bloc, and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, which includes prominent nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, discussions for economic partnership agreements have been extended to include the Syrian Arab Republic and six Arab, Caribbean, and Pacific regions, aiming to enhance mutual economic growth and development. These negotiations underscore a strategic shift towards fostering diplomatic relations through trade, which can potentially serve as a stabilizing factor in politically volatile regions. By collaborating with diverse nations, the EU seeks to build a framework that not only promotes economic prosperity but also encourages peaceful coexistence among the involved states. Ultimately, the intertwining of historical conflicts like the Lebanese civil war with contemporary economic dialogues highlights the complex interplay of geopolitics, trade, and the quest for regional stability in an increasingly interconnected world.