The recent tensions in relations between Canada and the UAE have shown a new boldness and determination in the way that the Emirates conducts its foreign policy. The country treads cautiously in its relations with big powers, balancing its arms purchasing between France, the UK and the US, and carefully managing relations with Russia and China. Canada, however, has begun to experience a more assertive UAE, ready to stand up for its interests.
At first glance, Canada and the UAE should enjoy perfect relations. Both have sensible governments that try to contribute to good international relations, both are prosperous and both have welcomed to their lands people from many nations who have contributed to their prosperity. The two countries have also co-operated in fighting terrorism and extremism. About 27,000 Canadians live in the UAE and the country is one of Canada's biggest economic partners in the Middle East, with bilateral trade valued at about $1.5 billion a year.
But there is more than meets the eye in the UAE-Canada relationship. One only needs to look at recent history to find the source of the current problems. First there is the commercial feud over more landing rights. At the behest of Canadian aviation companies, Canada refused to increase landing slots for Emirates and Etihad Airlines.
The UAE, according to some pundits, swiftly retaliated by ordering the evacuation of Canada's Camp Mirage, which has been part of a key supply route for Canadian military operations in Afghanistan. (The existence of the base, while never publicly acknowledged, is one of the worst-kept secrets in the region.) The stand-off became more acrimonious after a plane carrying Canada's defence minister, Peter MacKay, had to take a detour when it was returning from Afghanistan since it was denied permission to use UAE airspace.
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Some have argued that the UAE and Canada should fight trade problems with trade tools; political and security issues should be kept separate and handled through diplomatic channels. Both countries cite their decisions as being within their national interests. But the extent to which Canadian national interests can be threatened by increased landing rights for UAE commercial aircraft is very doubtful. It is the bottom line of Canadian commercial aviation companies that is more likely to be affected - companies that have had few qualms about squashing competition in the past. Now, faced with world-class competition from very successful companies such as Emirates and Etihad, they rush for protection.
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For the UAE this tussle has been an opportunity to show a new assertiveness and determination in its foreign policy, which others also must heed.
(C) http://www.thenational.ae/
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