Lammert stated that the focus on concrete interests within the international arena did not lead to successful results in fostering international relations. Instead, a state should focus on its own values and orientations. Only a shared consideration of different values and interests would lead to balanced and stable relations between different states and cultures.

In order to strengthen the cooperation between Europe and the Gulf-States in areas such as foreign – and security policies, regional integration and political dialogue, the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research and KAS signed a cooperation agreement.

Dr. Gerhard Wahlers, deputy secretary general of KAS, identified the opening of KAS presence in Abu Dhabi as a result of the growing importance of the Gulf region for Germany and Europe. The region should not be reduced to an area of rich gas and oil resources, but should be seen as a region of high importance within the international community in terms of current political questions, such as the global financial crises or foreign- and security policy obstacles.

The increasing openness of the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf towards good governance, regional integration and strengthening relations with Europe offers a promising starting point for the work of the foundation in the region. Furthermore, Dr. Wahlers explained that the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung chose Abu Dhabi as the seat of their regional program due to the “strategic cooperation” between Germany and the United Arab Emirates.