Joint action urged to end terror

Moderate Arab countries are the safety net against external interference and hegemony schemes, thanks to their initiatives and practical and effective measures to combat terrorism, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said.

This came as he inaugurated the 2019 forum on “The Role of Research Centres and their Impact on Middle East Policies” which brought together over 300 delegates from across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, yesterday. Shaikh Abdulla stressed the need for new initiatives and realistic visions through joint efforts driven by scientific research and strategic thinking as a decisive factor in determining future options.

Moderate Arab countries have been effective and practical in combating terrorism and defending the nation issues and unity, he said. “Therefore, we were not surprised by the hostile and systematic campaigns that have targeted these countries and attempted to divert them from the implementation of their reform plans and regional efforts, especially as these countries have come a long way in the consolidation of their progress equation that includes security, reform, and development,” he said.

Derasat aims to fulfill its national mission through the annual forum as well as to contribute to the development of a new path of progress and partnership, he added. This includes highlighting the unique and pioneering position of Bahrain as a center for dialogue and understanding as well as a beacon to promote peace, freedoms and peaceful coexistence.

 “Throughout its history, Bahrain has embodied noble human values and has contributed effectively to just causes. Bahrain aspires to cooperate with all to end the roots of tension and the causes that drain the capabilities of our countries. “The Middle East is also witnessing profound challenges and radical transformations.

It has become a volatile and unstable arena and the ground for internal conflicts and the spread of the terror epidemic. “Chaos and sectarianism have turned into a state-sponsored industry and into an illegal trade for regimes.