Diplomacy, security and global alliances are the focus of this Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed session, featuring former US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. Drawing on decades of military and strategic experience, Mattis offers a candid and thought-provoking perspective on international relations. He underscores the importance of maintaining open, consistent channels of communication between the United States and key regional partners, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The session reflects on the value of steady, long-term cooperation across periods of alignment as well as times of disagreement, and highlights how shared interests, mutual respect and a commitment to dialogue can help navigate an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.