Bahrain takes over Arab League Council presidency

Manama : Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa took over the presidency of the Arab League Ministerial Council, in its 145th regular session, right at its opening in Cairo, Egypt.

In a statement, the Minister appreciated the great effort exerted by the United Arab Emirates during its presidency, which saw a positive impact on pan-Arab action.

He also lauded the efforts of the Arab League Secretary- General Nabil Elaraby and all the employees of the Secretariat General for the sound organisation, follow-up and arrangements for the activities of the current session.

Shaikh Khalid outlined in his speech the important  issues on the Arab arena, noting that the Palestinian cause has become more complicated than ever because of the escalated occupation, the tightened siege and the repetitive attacks on the Palestinian people.

The Minister reiterated the unflinching position of the Kingdom of Bahrain that rejects Iran’s ongoing occupation of the three UAE Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa islands, affirming UAE’s unquestionable sovereignty over them.

He condemned Iran’s continued meddling in the domestic affairs of the Arab States, the support it offers to the terrorists, the smuggling of weapons and explosives for the terrorists and training them as well as its continued hostile statements at all levels.

He also gave living examples of Iran’s abhorred conduct when it created terrorist groups in Bahrain, trained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the Hezbollah. He called on Iran to immediately cease such practices that aim to encroach on the sovereignty of the Arab states and urged it to change policies in a way that would preserve regional stability.

Regarding the Syrian crisis, the Minister explained that the best solution is to adopt an inclusive comprehensive political process on the basis of the first Geneva conference’s statement in 2012, allowing the flow of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people at home and in neighbouring countries that host the refugees.

On Yemen, he stressed the continuation of the efforts of the Saudi-led Arab coalition until the legitimate government is able to extend its influence on all parts of the country.

The Minister welcomed the efforts aiming to strengthen the national partnership in Iraq to be able to overcome all the challenges and get rid of terrorist groups operating on the Iraqi territory such as Daesh, Hezbollah and other armed militias, and put an end to foreign intervention and restore stability in the country.

He also pointed out to the need to accord more attention to the economic challenges facing the Arab countries, aggravated by the collapse of oil prices to an unprecedented low, impacting negatively the sustainability of economic and social development that is being sought by all.

“The difficulties and problems facing the Arab countries and the ordeals they are going through should not cripple them with despair or frustration or drag them to divide or failure, rather than prompting them to make more serious efforts to maintain unity among the countries and peoples, “ he added.

Caption : Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid (C) at the 45th session of Arab League Ministerial Council in Cairo