Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa stressed the need to ensure regional maritime security against any hostile actions and the need to protect the freedom of navigation and commercial sea routes that serve the entire global economy.
During his reception of senior participants of the 17th IISS Manama Dialogue, King Hamad said that the Middle East, which is a highly-important region in the world, continues to be threatened in its security and stability amid mounting challenges.
He reiterated Bahrain’s firm commitment to peace, dialogue, and coexistence, as stipulated recently in the Abraham Accords, adding that these historic agreements embody “our principled and courageous approach to achieving peace as the supreme goal of our region and all its peoples.”
The King described the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as the “cornerstone of stability.” He stressed their unity’s importance as a source of strength for all stakeholders in the region and abroad.
He affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to opening channels of communication to settle any stalled issues, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Also, on the sidelines of the Forum, Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani, met the US National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk.
The two sides reviewed the close historical relations between Bahrain and the US, discussing ways to enhance their cooperation in all fields for the benefit of both countries.
They also reviewed the political and security developments in the region, the challenges that threaten it, and the efforts made to consolidate security, peace, and development.
Zayani met the Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Maj. Gen. Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed al-Mughidi and they discussed the efforts of the Coalition in coordinating joint action among all countries to confront terrorism and its sources of funding.
They also addressed combating the deviant terrorist ideology through the intellectual, media, military, and financing fields.
The meeting touched on means to enhance cooperation in countering terrorism and the international efforts to combat it and achieve security and stability.
In addition, Zayani received the US Jewish Committee Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, Jason Isaacson.
They discussed aspects of developing cooperation and coordination in all areas related to strengthening the foundations of peace and stability, spreading a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, exchanging views on the latest developments in the region’s political situation, and discussing topics of common concern.
