With Gaza deal, IMEC Corridor can become reality: Biden
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: With the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the path-breaking IMEC Corridor that stretches from India to Europe through the Middle East could now become a reality, US President Joe Biden has said.
The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is seen as an alternative to China's One Belt, One Road Initiative.
Signed by eight countries – India, US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, European Union, France, Germany and Italy – in New Delhi on September 9, 2023, it aims to bolster transportation and communication links between Europe and Asia through rail and shipping networks.
He also praised the teamwork and efforts of American diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden added, "Many peacemakers helped make this deal happen, including an extraordinary team of American diplomats who have worked nonstop for months to get this done. Secretary Blinken led the effort, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the Vice President worked relentlessly as we work to deliver this deal... This has been a time of real turmoil in the Middle East."
Biden also highlighted the emerging opportunities for peace and stability in the Middle East, including the potential for a future free from the influence of Hezbollah and Assad.
The US President added, "As I prepare to leave office, our friends are strong, our enemies are weak, and there are genuine opportunities for a new future. In Lebanon, there's an opportunity for a future free from the grip of Hezbollah; in Syria, a future free from the tyranny of Assad; and for the Palestinian people, a credible, credible pathway to a state of their own; and for the region, a future of normalisation and integration of Israel and all its Arab neighbours, including Saudi Arabia. There are risks as well, including ISIS and Iran, even in a badly weakened state, but, we're handing off then to the next team, a real opportunity for a better future for the Middle East. I hope they will take it."