Bahrain hosts first Negev Summit Steering Committee meeting

TDT | Manama                         

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain yesterday hosted the first Negev Summit Steering Committee meeting at Sofitel Hotel Bahrain. The meeting is the first in a long series of events planned, following the Negev Summit on March 28, 2022, in which Israel hosted the foreign ministers of Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco and the US.

Speaking to members of the media following the meeting, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the meeting focused on a view for the future and next generation.

“The unified core objectives discussed include deepening relations, expanding inter-dependence, promoting joint ventures and strategic cooperation.”

Dr Shaikh Abdulla said that working groups will be constituted for major areas including clean energy, education and coexistence, food and water security, health, regional security and tourism.

“We want to send out to the world a strong message of peace based on principles of coexistence and development. Apart from enhancing regional security, the meeting also envisaged improving the resilience of food and water resources.” Terming the meeting as a ‘proactive engagement’, Dr Shaikh Abdulla said the presidency of the meeting will be rotated between the participating nations.

“The ministerial meeting will be held on an annual basis. We are all determined to build on the success of all people, who call the Middle East their home.” Israeli Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Ushpiz read out the joint statement before the media members after the meeting.

“The meeting decided to further coordinate collective efforts for the development of the region. While demonstrating the strength of relations, we will be able to accomplish common goals that can be achieved by working together. The participating nations will continue to exert efforts to achieve comprehensive peace.”

He said the working groups will meet on a regular basis for the benefit of the people and the region. “There will also be great focus on improving the life and quality of Palestinian people.” Earlier at the Negev Summit, Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Israel, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco and the US worked on ways to address their shared challenges and interests.