Diplomats celebrate Europe Day, hails Bahrain’s Ukraine stances

TDT | Manama                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Report by Ashen Tharaka

Diplomats residing in Bahrain and GCC member states gathered at the German Ambassador’s residence to celebrate Europe Day last Thursday, while terming Bahrain as a driving force for international discussions on peace and reconciliation.

The event was held under the patronage of Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and guests of the European Union.

Dr Shaikh Abdullah praised the Union as one of the most successful organisations in the world, saying that the Kingdom is ready to continue its engagement with all members bilaterally or multilaterally.

Patrick Simonnet, EU Ambassador to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, emphasised the event’s significance this year, given the Russian war on Ukraine’s yearlong duration.

“We never encourage anyone to choose a side; instead, we ask that they abide by the UN charter and international law,” he stressed.

He further emphasised Bahrain’s role as a catalyst for international communication, stating that “Europe is your neighbour, partner, and friend.”

He described the commemoration of Europe Day was not just about celebrating, but also about establishing a new strategic partnership between Europe, Bahrain, and the Gulf region.

The German Ambassador to Bahrain, Clemens Hach, thanked Bahrain for its stance on Ukraine and highlighted the EU’s commitment to assisting Bahrain in maintaining its security, democracy, and inclusiveness.

It’s worth knowing that both the Council of Europe and the European Union commemorate Europe Day as a day of peace and solidarity in Europe, on May 5 and May 9, respectively.

Europe Day is an annual observance that commemorates the formation of the European Union (EU) and the idea of a united Europe.

It is celebrated on May 9th each year.

The origins of Europe Day date back to 1950, when French foreign minister Robert Schuman delivered a speech in which he proposed the creation of a supranational European institution to oversee the production and distribution of coal and steel.

This led to the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community, which later became the precursor to the EU.