Driving diplomacy - Foreign Affairs Minister chairs virtual meeting of newly established Council

TDT | Manama

An important initiative to help foster the development of Bahrain’s diplomatic work has been achieved with the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Council. This is according to Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who chaired the Council’s first meeting yesterday. It was held virtually, with the participation of the Council’s members.

The Minister expressed delight at the issuance of the edict to establish the new Council, which he said represents one of the important initiatives in the process of developing and enhancing diplomatic work through the tasks, duties and responsibilities it is assigned. These include approving policies and executive plans, supervising the progress of work and performance in the Ministry’s general court and the diplomatic missions abroad, and examining the developments of the political and security issues at the regional and international levels. It also tackles the reports of diplomatic missions and the permanent committees while taking appropriate decisions on them.

Dr. Al Zayani affirmed that the ultimate goal of forming the Council is to engage everyone in the decision-making process and exchange views and ideas, as well as study and discuss development initiatives, plans and projects collectively. These enhance the chances of success and of attaining outstanding results. He expressed his appreciation of and pride in the tangible efforts made by the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s senior officials – most notably the undersecretaries, assistant undersecretaries, directors, employees, ambassadors and diplomats – in enhancing the Ministry’s role in the pioneering development process and the civilisational renaissance witnessed by the Kingdom during this prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Dr. Al Zayani also praised the dedicated efforts of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s directorates, as well as their efficiency and competence during these exceptional conditions imposed by the outbreak of the coronavirus in the world. He hailed the on-going coordination and cooperation among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Taskforce for Combatting Coronavirus and Bahrain’s embassies and consulates abroad in arranging the return of Bahraini citizens from overseas. Also during their meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Council discussed a number of other topics and issues on its agenda and took appropriate decisions regarding them.