Bahrain affirms support for Palestinians at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

TDT | Manama  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Ashen Tharaka

The Kingdom of Bahrain reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the third edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held in Turkey on March 1–3.

His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the event as deputy foreign minister and emphasised the importance of open communication and diplomacy in achieving lasting peace.

“We believe that achieving peace will never be through isolation, extremism, or aggression, but rather through communication,” he stated. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing support for the Palestinian people, pointing to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashed Al Zayani’s visit to the Palestinian President on October 29 as a recent example.

“We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Palestinians wherever they need support,” he added. Drawing on the theme of the forum, “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil,” Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed stressed that diplomacy remains crucial even during conflict.

“The eruption of any conflict or war is due to the failure of diplomacy,” he argued. “At the end of every war and conflict, there will be a diplomatic solution.”

Sentiment

Dr. Riad Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Palestine, echoed Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed’s sentiment and welcomed Bahrain’s continued support. “The Kingdom of Bahrain is a strong supporter of the Palestinian people, and His Majesty the King and the government have been keen to demonstrate this on every occasion,” he stated.

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum provided a platform for international dialogue on various regional and global challenges, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.