ABU DHABI // The role of Iran in the region and the future for Palestinians were discussed at a weekend retreat for foreign ministers and policy experts.
The second annual Sir Bani Yas Forum, which ended yesterday at the Qasr Al Sarab desert resort in Liwa, was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British think tank Chatham House.
Polls carried out for the meeting by Dr James Zogby, a senior analyst at Zogby International, were also discussed.
The polls gauged the attitude of young people towards the role of social networks in the region's politics as well as attitudes towards the impending troop withdrawals from Afghanistan.
"In today's world, issues do not stay confined to one country, which is why it is important that all of us contribute to discussions aimed at finding sustainable solutions based on thorough foundations," said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister.
"Thus, this gathering, with its participants' diversity of professional and intellectual backgrounds, represents a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, expand the scope of thinking, and listen to different views on the very exceptional era we are witnessing in the region today."