Bahrain calls for dialogue with regional ‘friends and partners’ for peace, security and prosperity

Nur-Sultan | Kazakhstan

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has stressed the importance of collective regional action to overcome challenges and achieve genuine security and development.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said that this can be done through constant dialogue with regional friends and partners.

“The past 18 months have once again highlighted the vital role of regional and internation[1]al cooperation, and the critical importance of working together to address common challenges,” said Dr Al Zayani.

He was speaking in the sixth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Ministerial Meeting, which started yesterday in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event is being held under the patronage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Ka[1]zakhstan, chaired by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, and in the presence of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of CICA member states, and the participation of CICA Executive Director, Kairat Sarybay.

At the opening session of the meeting, Al Zayani said: “Indeed, recent years have demonstrated beyond any doubt that, in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, genuine and sustainable security and development is only possible by working together with regional friends and partners.”

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has also reaffirmed Bahrain’s longstanding principles and values which guide its policies, “values which have always been part of our Bahraini culture, and which have been given renewed momentum by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.”

Foremost among these values, the minister pointed out, are the importance of coexistence, dialogue and mutual respect as the essential foundations of relations between states and peoples, and the bedrock of enduring peace, security and prosperity.

“That is why Bahrain believes in the importance of regional forums such as CICA, because we are convinced that they are ideal venues to put these principles into practice, and to demonstrate the value of genuine regional cooperation in bringing real, practical benefits to Asia’s countries and peoples,” said Dr Al Zayani.

“It is why, for example, Bahrain will shortly assume the Chair of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, providing further opportunities to bring our region closer together, while recognising the unique strengths of each of these forums.”

Al Zayani lauded Asia’s potential, diverse and abundant resources, dynamic and resourceful peoples, technical expertise combined with its rich heritage and culture.

“We are convinced, also, that by harnessing this potential through greater contacts and cooperation, we can enhance all our lives – bringing genuine security, lasting prosperity, and real opportunity for all our peoples,” he noted.