Philosophy, politics, and economics develop in close connection with each other. The theories and concepts underlying these disciplines contribute to understanding the processes that shape the human world. The study of the foundations of philosophy and its impact on other fields contributes to a critical analysis of political and economic events. Knowledge obtained in these areas helps explore social processes and can be applied in government decision-making. At the same time, countries can cooperate with each other in areas related to philosophy, politics, and economics. The current paper reports the relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and New Zealand in the designated disciplines.
Philosophy
Philosophy lays the foundations for collaboration in research, knowledge development, culture, ethics, and other areas. For example, both the UAE and New Zealand are making significant efforts to build cultural diplomacy. The New Zealand Cultural Diplomacy International Program (CDIP) maintains the country’s cultural presence abroad (Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage [MCH], 2022). Cultural diplomacy is within the competence of the MCH and several other ministries united in the Steering Group, which provides advice and recommendation on the conduct of events related to New Zealand culture worldwide (MCH, 2022). Through cultural diplomacy, New Zealand maintains its image of representing its diverse society and promotes its interests in economics, diplomacy, and culture.
UAE also pays considerable attention to cultural diplomacy and its goals. Cultural Advisor Nusseibeh (n.d.) believes that efforts in this direction are necessary to strengthen mutual trust and understanding with other countries. UAE cultural diplomacy also aims to find partners in economic, political, and security issues (Nusseibeh, n.d.). The Office for Cultural and Public Diplomacy (OPCD) regulates cultural activities. Efforts are aimed at the development of creativity, the transfer of cultural values, exchanges, and the strengthening of cultural ties (Nusseibeh, n.d.). Consequently, UAE and New Zealand cultural diplomacies have many shared goals and interests. Cultural cooperation facilitates political and economic ties, as it demonstrates the wealth and common features of cultures, which brings together the population of countries.
New Zealand and the UAE’s cultural diplomacy includes several events supporting their cooperation. Recently, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta visited several countries, including the Emirates, to discuss political and cultural relationships and promote economic cooperation (Peng, 2022). As an indigenous foreign minister, Mahuta, first of all, protects the interests of the indigenous population. According to the UEA Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (2019b), UAE and New Zealand are united in the common interest and similarity of Emirati Bedouin and Māori culture. Countries’ cooperation in the cultural sphere also manifested during the Expo 2020, which took place in late 2021-early 2022.
Although Expo 2020 was postponed due to the restrictions of the global pandemic, it was successfully held in the UAE and was a significant event for diplomacy. It was a platform for establishing cooperation, knowledge exchange, and demonstrating countries’ achievements, including those that can help solve world problems. When deciding on participation, New Zealand considered the importance of its relations with the UAE and all political, economic, and cultural opportunities. The New Zealand Pavilion was dedicated to defending the population, particularly minorities, and protecting the environment (The Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, 2021). They promoted the idea of the unity of nature and humans, emphasizing the need for a respectful attitude toward the environment. This interest is common to relations between New Zealand and the UAE. Moreover, the topic is intertwined with the political direction and demonstrates the values that both sides defend in the international arena.
Several topics of the Expo were devoted to solving world problems, which are an essential part of international relations and cooperation between New Zealand and the UAE. For example, countries’ collaboration in agriculture is at the intersection of the economy, politics, and effort to solve world problems. In particular, in their cooperation that has lasted since 2013, New Zealand and the UAE express their commitment to solving the problem of food security (“New Zealand and UAE,” 2022). They need a close economic relationship to develop agricultural systems to achieve this goal (“New Zealand and UAE,” 2022). New Zealand has significant potential for food security, as it can produce more food than its population needs. The UAE, in turn, aims to increase its production to strengthen food security in the country.
The desire for food security involves scientific cooperation between UAE and New Zealand. Countries conduct joint studies of water and plant quality, which is necessary for agriculture; for example, scientists investigate water desalination methods and their effectiveness (“New Zealand and UAE,” 2022). Representatives of the parties note that productive cooperation has been established despite the countries’ different environmental situations (“New Zealand and UAE,” 2022). Through joint efforts and the exchange of knowledge, countries act to preserve natural resources and the environment to create the conditions necessary for the sustainability of the global food system.
Collaboration on food security issues is developed within a few institutions in the countries. The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), located in Dubai, and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) are involved from the UAE side (“New Zealand and UAE,” 2022). The New Zealand organization G2G, created by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), helps Emirati institutions (“New Zealand and UAE,” 2022). Parties invest their efforts in such projects and plans as the Salt Leachate Project, Fit for A Better World roadmap, and research projects at Massey University (“New Zealand and UAE,” 2022). The two countries’ actions support food security in the region, and their scientific achievements can be used worldwide.
Politics
Political cooperation between countries is manifested in joint work on goals in various directions, including culture and economy. To support their political relations, the UAE and New Zealand hold meetings between politicians at multiple levels and appoint ambassadors to the countries. The Embassy of New Zealand in the Emirates is located in Abu Dhabi, and its head is ambassador Matthew Hawkins (MFAT, n.d.b.). The UAE Embassy is in Wellington and is represented by ambassador H.E. Rashed Matar Alsiri Alqemzi (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, 2021). Embassies are an essential part of political relations as they promote the interests of their countries and conclude mutually beneficial agreements.
Regular meetings between ministers and countries play an important role in establishing and supporting relations. In 2019, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters held a such meeting. The ministers discussed issues of interest to both countries and mechanisms for improving relations (“Continuous development,” 2019). For example, renewable energy sources are among the topics in which governments seek cooperation (“Continuous development,” 2019). Arrangements for development cooperation in renewable energy projects agreed in the memorandum between countries’ ministries maintain and regulate relations between the parties. This problem is at the intersection of several disciplines and refers to the direction of political economy. The introduction of innovations in energy systems is significantly associated with political efforts and ensuring the well-being of citizens. At the same time, renewable energy is part of the green economy agenda and is essential to the economic prosperity of countries.
Cooperation on renewable energy involves the exchange of experience and support of the parties during the transition to new systems. In particular, the UAE has set a target of zero carbon emissions by 2050, and New Zealand businesses can help with their knowledge and work (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, 2022). Given climate change, countries are looking for opportunities to switch to new clean energy sources. The UAE has already built one of the largest solar park parks, which, thanks to the climatic features of the region, produces much energy, which makes it more financially affordable.
Regulations and recommendations from New Zealand, within the competence of NZTE, are pushing their companies to cooperate with the UAE to switch to new sources. Areas for collaboration include water treatment, waste recycling, and introducing innovative technologies into these processes (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, 2022). The joint contribution of the efforts of New Zealand and the UAE to renewable energy is beneficial not only to these countries but also to others since the Emirates is ready to export power. Such cooperation again emphasizes the intersection of philosophy, politics, and economics.
The UAE and New Zealand share many common interests in the international arena, a space for cooperation and deepening relations. For instance, representatives of countries emphasize their desire for cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism (“Continuous development,” 2019). The UAE and New Zealand are doing their part in regional and international efforts to strengthen peace (“Continuous development,” 2019). As a result, the interests of these countries also coincide in matters of peacekeeping and diplomacy in the unstable region of the Middle East (Nusseibeh, n.d.; MFAT, n.d.a). Resolving conflicts is required to contribute to the region’s stability, development, and prosperity. This issue is essential in the cooperation of New Zealand and the UAE within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Participation in international organizations is an integral part of the activities of both countries.
International organizations cover various areas of activity for countries’ cooperation. In addition to the Security Council, New Zealand and the UAE are involved in other UN subsidiary bodies. In particular, in the Middle East, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other organizations like UNICEF and the Red Cross help countries coordinate their humanitarian aid (MFAT, n.d.a). There is also a link between the countries in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) (MFAT, n.d.a). At the same time, New Zealand cooperates with regional organizations, including the UAE: League of Arab States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). As a result, political cooperation between countries is also developing within the framework of multilateral relations.
Economy
Economic cooperation between the UAE and New Zealand receives the most attention and has developed for a long time. The Emirates is a crucial partner for New Zealand in the Arab world and the 10th most important worldwide (Khan, 2022). According to the UEA Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (2019b), countries were able to reach a trading volume of $4 billion in a short time. In 2021, non-oil trade between the countries reached $763 million, marking an increase of 14% compared to 2020 (Khan, 2022). Exports from New Zealand to the UAE include various food products such as flour, dairy, and fruit (MFAT, 2021). Moreover, countries manage to cope with the consequences of COVID-19 and maintain a sufficient level of trade, which contributes to optimistic forecasts in their cooperation.
Countries have taken various steps to build economic relations. For instance, in 2018, as part of strengthening investment and trade ties, the UAE Embassy in New Zealand became the organizer of a forum on business opportunities in New Zealand (“UAE Ambassador,” 2018). The New Zealand Middle East Business Council (NZMEBC) and INDEX Holding are contributing to joint business development in the UAE and New Zealand (“UAE Ambassador,” 2018). The event contributed to the discussion of strategic options for business creation and attracted representatives of various companies to dialogue, which is valuable for developing partnerships (“UAE Ambassador,” 2018). Moreover, the knowledge and recommendations shared by states’ and companies’ representatives can positively impact the population.
A recent significant event in countries’ cooperation was the UAE-New Zealand Joint Economic Committee session during Expo 2020 Dubai. In addition to cultural and political significance, Expo is critical in stimulating the economic growth of the UAE (MFAT, 2021). Such an event can facilitate tourism development, attract potential investors and partners and serve as a platform for strengthening existing relations. At the meeting, the parties agreed to deepen cooperation in investment and trade and identified several critical areas for work. New Zealand and the OEA collaborate on innovation, technology development, agriculture, entrepreneurship, tourism, and logistics (Khan, 2022). To launch cooperation mechanisms, the parties signed several agreements between the New Zealand Export Credit Agency and UAE’s Etihad Credit Export Insurance to stimulate investment (Khan, 2022). Countries again expressed their desire to achieve trade facilitation and especially support cooperation in agriculture.
Economic cooperation between New Zealand and the UAE is also crucial from the view of relations in the Middle East region. Countries’ political interests in stability in the region are intertwined with New Zealand’s economic interest in oil (MFAT, n.d.a). The East, in turn, is interested in relations with New Zealand as a source of food security (MFAT, n.d.a). New Zealand maintains a trade relationship with the GCC, which includes the UAE as a member. Moreover, the countries constantly exchange knowledge and technology and accept international students from partner countries for education. Thus, economic cooperation is essential for both New Zealand and the UAE.
An essential focus for work in New Zealand-UAE economic cooperation is the promotion of the Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and the GCC. Although negotiations on the Agreement were completed back in 2009, due to the moratorium, it was not signed (MFAT, 2022). In 2022, the parties agreed to resume negotiations on the Agreement. It envisions improving market access and removing barriers to trade by eliminating tariffs on exporters and other measures, encouraging investment, and expanding other opportunities (MFAT, 2022). Free trade contributes to the economy’s development while maintaining countries’ independence and sovereignty. The Agreement will be mutually beneficial for the parties, and therefore it is necessary to promote negotiations to conclude it.
Conclusion
Philosophy, politics, and economics are intertwined with each other in matters of governmental activity, both in internal and external relations. Connections between the UAE and New Zealand are manifested in various aspects of these disciplines. In the field of philosophy, countries are investing significant efforts in their cultural diplomacy. Both aim to represent their countries abroad to foster economic and political cooperation. An important event that affected all areas of cooperation was Expo 2020, held in Dubai – New Zealand’s participation was a manifestation of common interests.
As part of political cooperation, countries send ambassadors to countries and hold meetings to discuss cooperation opportunities. Moreover, the UAE and New Zealand have a political connection through international organizations. Governments’ interests coincide in promoting peace, combating extremism, providing humanitarian assistance to countries, and other issues. Economic cooperation is more intensive in New Zealand-UAE relations. There is significant trade between countries, exchanging knowledge, innovation, and technology. They are also seeking to sign the Free Trade Agreement in the future.
Essential aspects of cooperation between the UAE and New Zealand are manifested at the intersection of philosophy, politics, and economics. In particular, countries express their desire to solve global problems and jointly take concrete steps toward this goal. Critical issues for cooperation are food security and the transition to renewable energy. Countries cooperate in scientific research on these issues and take mutually beneficial measures. In the future, their achievements will be necessary for other countries interested in sustainable development.
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