Fourth meeting of the Helsinki Policy Forum, Berlin 8th-9th December 2015

On the 8th-9th December Forward Thinking convened the fourth meeting of the Helsinki Policy Forum meeting in Berlin, with the support of the German Foreign Ministry. The meeting brought together high-level parliamentarians/political leaders, government officials, and financial experts from Europe, the Gulf, Middle East and North Africa, providing an informal space and network for an open, informed and confidential dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing the MENA/Gulf region and its potential impact on international relationships. The opening remarks of the Forum were provided by H.E. Taieb Baccouche, Foreign Minister of Tunisia, who helped to outline the agenda for discussions.This meeting focused extensively on the need to develop mechanisms to address the instability in the Gulf-MENA region and the identification of common risks and interests upon which such cooperation could be built. Consensus emerged on the need for greater dialogue (both formal and informal) between key regional powers with the aim of establishing channels for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the development of prevention and de-escalation mechanisms, in order to support regional growth and prosperity for its citizens.Other issues discussed included the ongoing migration and refugee crisis which has ramifications for all states in the region and Europe. The deeper root drivers of the migration and refugee challenge must be addressed if informed and practical policies are to be devised and implemented likely to incorporate political and economic reform, regional cooperation and the role of Europe and the international community. The threat posed by Da’esh was also debated extensively, with participants agreeing on the continued need to develop a comprehensive strategy to defeat the movement, while simultaneously pursuing a political settlement in Syria.