‘Bahrain open to collaborations’

Manama : Bahrain is open to collaboration with different countries through significant partnerships and we have robust international relations whether on bilateral levels or based on a multilateral system through working closely with other regional or international organisations, Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed al Khalifa, the Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told DT News yesterday.

“I believe events like today’s is a great opportunity for us to work collectively with these countries as a bloc. Moreover having heard the very informative presentations from these countries; I believe they have done a lot to serve their people but now the organisation is to explore their partnerships to other nations and the kingdom is definitely open to such collaborations.” 

Shaikh Abdulla attended the The International Peace Institute, Middle East & North Africa (IPI, MENA) seminar that hosted officials from Indonesia, South Korea and Turkey to address the Sustainable Development Priorities of MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, Australia), an innovative partnership between the United Mexican States, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Turkey and the Commonwealth of Australia.

This was formed in 2013, on the sidelines of the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly on “Promotion Of Sustainable Development And Sustained Economic Growth”

Shaikh Abdulla added that with collaboration with such regional organisations, a lot can be achieved and the results of sustainable development will reflect on the people of the region.

The MIKTA-IPI, MENA Seminar that was held yesterday in the IPI, MENA office at Harbour House was moderated by Nejib Friji, Director of IPI, MENA, with panelist being Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Muhsin Syihab, Director for Development, Economic & Environmental Affairs, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yoon Jiwan, Director of Policy Analysis, Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nejib Friji, Director of IPI, MENA  stated that, “These five nations are known for their vibrant economic performance.” 

Launched, 4 years ago, the diversity that MIKTA brings to the multilateral arena provides an opportunity not just to enhance economic cooperation for Sustainable Development, but to bring the MIKTA nations and their regions closer together in a bid to spread sustainable peace.”

“In line with IPI’s strategic goal of managing risk and building resilience for a more peaceful and secure world through long-term engagement. Thus, we are grateful to host the representatives of MIKTA, further, I would like to thank Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed al Khalifa, the Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador, Nur Syahrir Rahardjo, Ambassador of Indonesia, and Hyunmo Koo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea.”

“As IPI stated in its milestone report within the ICM (Independent Commission on Multilateralism), a strategic vision and plan of action is needed to provide focused leadership to cope with the challenges of change and realize sustainable development and peace, to make the UN fit for purpose.

“There is no doubt that member states within MIKTA can work to provide this leadership, not just within their regions, but in the multilateral system as a whole. What started in 2013 as an idea to enhance global governance, is slowly turning into a reality. We at IPI look for strong and sustainable collaboration with MIKTA in terms of building durable relations,” Nejib added. 

“Further, the 11th MIKTA Foreign Ministers Meeting that will take place in Istanbul on 13 December where Turkey will hand over the Chair to Indonesia.”

“Turkey will continue to offer experience and knowledge on sustainable development through bilateral and multilateral cooperation and aid programs; Because we know that, achieving sustainable peace and stability in our region and in the world is not possible without achieving sustainable development all around the world,” said  Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain.