Bahrain makes global security call at UNGA

Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa reiterated Bahrain’s firm stances, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, regarding key regional and international issues. Addressing the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, the minister stressed the necessity of achieving global security and peace and combating terrorism in the region and the world.

“The close and growing partnership continues between the Kingdom and the United Nations and all its specialised bodies and agencies. This is mirrored in the measures and initiatives taken by the Kingdom to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, including the signing of the Strategic Partnership Framework between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations Agencies, the first of its kind in the region. “The honouring of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa by the World Health Organisation last May as an international leader was the first of its kind in the history of the organisation.

It came to underline the high status of His Royal Highness and to reflect the international recognition of the Bahraini role in the achievement of the goals of the organisation. “We would also like to to express our pleasure at the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly, in its Resolution 73/329, of the initiative of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, to declare April 5 as the International Day of Conscience.

“We are proud of the achievements of the Bahraini woman over the decades, the latest of which was the election of Ms Fawziya Zainal as the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, becoming the first woman in the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain to occupy such high position, following parliamentary elections that had a participation turnout of 67 per cent, coming as a result of the reform approach of His Majesty the King, reflecting a solid democratic experience, a strong popular will, a high community awareness and keenness to perform the national duty. Speaking on the dangerous spread of terrorist network, Shaikh Khalid said the main concerns of the international community, and in our discussion here and at this stage, are the “achievement of peace” and “eliminating terrorism”.

“We are all now convinced that the incidents that take place in any part of the world will inevitably affect us all. We have seen this following the crises some countries went through, including the Arab Republic of Syria, the Republic of Yemen and the State of Libya. “The unrest these states have gone through led to weakening or destroying state institutions, worsening the problem of migration and refugees, providing an environment for the emergence of different terrorist organisations, whether those backed by states or others, threatening the security of the region and the stability of its people.

“We also assert our support for the brotherly Republic of Sudan, to all the steps and measures taken to achieve development and prosperity and to protect internal security and stability. We welcome the formation of the transitional government, led by the Prime Minister, Dr Abdullah Hamdok, and we support the calls regarding the removal of Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, in order to enable it to cooperate with international economic institutions, and to overcome this serious and delicate phase of its history.”

Shaikh Khalid said Iran has been continuing its attempts to cause chaos and sedition, and by interfering in the internal affairs of many countries in the region, including the Kingdom. “This is also seen in its unjust occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates, (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa) and the direct threat resulting from this continued occupation.”

“In this regard, we affirm our solidarity with our brothers in the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we will continue our efforts to save Yemen and restore its security and stability.”