DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy joins top officials from the United States, the European Union, China and the Middle East during the frenzied first day of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos. He will be the main character of the day. That will become more apparent on Tuesday.
President Zelensky has made the country's long-stalled defense against Russia a political leader's policy, just as the war between Israel and Hamas, which reached its 100th day this week, has sucked up much of the world's attention and raised concerns about Russia. I will try to keep it in mind. broader conflicts in the Middle East;
Tuesday's activities began with a fast-paced and eclectic agenda in a room at the Davos Conference Center, with issues as diverse as innovation in Europe, the economic impact of generative AI, clean technology and business support against high interest rates being discussed.
The talks with the prime ministers of Qatar and Jordan were the day's most important, with speeches from Chinese Premier Li Qiang, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. It will conclude with a noteworthy event. Asked by The Associated Press if Mr. Sullivan would meet with the Chinese delegation in Davos in preparation for the meeting with Mr. Zelensky and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, he said he would not.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the world's concentration on ships in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels, which prompted retaliatory attacks by the US and UK, was a “symptom”. It's just focused on, it's not.” It deals with the real issue of Israel's war against Hamas.
“We should focus on the main conflict in Gaza. And I believe that once that is quelled, everything else will be quelled too,” he said, adding that there is no way to end the conflict. He added that a two-state solution is needed to achieve this goal.
Sheikh Mohammed also warned that military conflict “will not contain” Houthi attacks.
“I think what's happening in this region right now is a recipe for escalation everywhere,” he added.
President Zelensky was once reluctant to leave the war-torn country, but against a backdrop of Western donor fatigue and concerns from former US President Donald Trump, who had touted good relations, He has recently been on a whirlwind tour of Ukraine trying to rally support for the cause. Russian President Vladimir Putin – could return to the White House next year after a landslide victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday.
It was Zelenskiy's first visit to Davos as president after previously speaking by video, and he was surrounded by heavy security forces, drawing the attention of media and others trying to hear from him. are collecting.
He hopes to use the high profile of the event as a bullish pulpit to demonstrate Ukraine's pressing needs, and will also rally allies: corporate leaders like von der Leyen and others. Officials were invited to learn what kind of assistance is needed to help rebuild Ukraine. “Ukrainian CEO” session only.
Maxim Timchenko, CEO of Ukrainian energy company DTEK, said after the session: “The time has come for us, Ukrainian companies and international companies to rebuild the Ukrainian economy.” “Relying on ourselves. To build the future of Ukraine.”
He said that hearing President Zelenskyy say that he will “do everything possible with reforms, change our country and create conditions for companies to come and invest” is a great opportunity for Ukrainian and international companies. He said it was “very important” for both sides.
The day before, President Zelensky stopped in the Swiss capital Bern, where President Viola Amherd promised to start cooperation with Ukraine to help organize a “peace summit” for Ukraine.
The theme of the Davos meeting was “rebuilding trust,” and it was held at a time when sentiment around the world is beginning to waver. Wars in the Middle East and Europe are increasingly dividing the world into different camps.
Even as the geopolitical situation looks gloomy, businesses seem more hopeful, with the prospect of artificial intelligence helping improve productivity. Major stock indexes in Europe and the United States soared in 2023, and expectations for lower interest rates rose due to lower inflation rates.
AI is a major topic all week at Davos, with sessions scheduled for Tuesday including a major talk by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (whose company is investing billions in ChatGPT maker OpenAI) It is included.
