As already reported on VonNaftali, the next ‘Negev Forum’, the de facto political format of the Abraham Accords as constituted last year in the Negev at the invitation of Israel, will take place in Morocco. But, where are the forums for the economy and the people?
In the words of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, the Negev Forum is defined: “The Negev Forum was founded at the Negev Summit that was held at Sde Boker in March 2022, as part of the implementation process of the Abraham Accords. The working groups were also determined at the Negev Summit, with the aim of presenting concrete projects to be promoted by the member states.“
Preparations are now in full swing, First meetings in Abu Dhabi, as the United Arab States are undoubtedly a key player alongside Israel. In total, 150 top officials from the Abraham Accords countries come together.
“The meeting of the Negev Forum steering committee and working groups opened this morning (Monday, January 9 2023) in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting will be attended by senior delegations from the six member states: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, the USA and Israel. This is the third meeting of the Negev Forum steering committee (the first was held in Bahrain in June 2022, and the second was held as a virtual meeting in October 2022).”
This is the first physical meeting of the working groups. The Israeli delegation is said to be led by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General Alon Ushpiz, and includes senior representatives from the ministries of agriculture, health, defense, intelligence, tourism, energy, education, and the economy as well as representatives of the Water Authority, and the National Security Council.
The official working groups established are:
- Health
- Regional security
- Education and tolerance
- Water and food security
- Tourism
- Energy
In the background, the hopefully imminent fall of the Mullah regime (Iran), and the possible constitution of a ‘Super Economy Space’ Abraham Accords – India are the pink elephants in the room. India has opened de facto talks to create a free trade agreement with both the Gulf States and Israel, as reported by Vonaftali. The other is Iran. The women of Iran are likely to overthrow the Mullah regime in Iran.
Finally, the states have now a viable forum with the Negev Forum. But where is the forum for the economy and the people? These two forums are necessary for the lasting success of the Abraham Accords.
VonNaftali/מנפּתלי/ByNaftali 