Derasat Chairman highlights Bahrain’s stances at Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate

Manama, Nov. 10 (BNA): The wise and inspiring vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for peace in the Middle East reflects Bahrain’s civilized and responsible role, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies "Derasat". This role stems from a firm belief in coexistence and tolerance among nations and peoples, so that security, stability and prosperity prevail in the region and the world, he said in his online address to the seventh Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate “Deciphering the Hyper-real: The New World Order.” Organized by the Emirates Policy Center, the annual three-day forum brings together experts, specialized researchers and policy makers from around the world. The geopolitical map of the distribution of power in the Middle East has changed in the last decade due to instability, internal conflicts, insecurity and economic stagnation in many countries, Shaikh Abdullah said in his speech in the “The Gulf: Recalculations” session. The moderate Gulf states have emerged to lead the region towards stability and prosperity through their pioneering role in combating terrorism and adopting visions of reform, modernization and technological progress, as well as moving forward in the approach of understanding and peace, he added. The Derasat Chairman said that Bahrain’s move to sign the Declaration in Support of Peace with Israel is a sovereign decision to protect the Kingdom’s higher interests without compromising constants and priorities. He added that the Kingdom will spare no effort in moving with the peace process forward leading to a just and comprehensive peace, within the framework of continuing Bahrain's efforts on this path that included hosting the Peace to Prosperity workshop in June 2019. “We live in an era that requires establishing new relationships and partnerships that bring along many opportunities, and developing relations in many fields that enhance security and development. Therefore, peace with Israel is not a recalculation, but rather a strategic move in the direction of ensuring regional security, promoting peaceful coexistence, and confronting the dangers that the Iranian regime has been making through its proxies, to undermine stability and spread chaos, in order to implement its expansion project in the region,” Shaikh Abdullah said. He added that he was confident the Gulf-American relations will remain, throughout the different successive American administrations, the strong pillar of regional security and stressed the importance of continuing and developing the comprehensive strategic dialogue between the moderate Gulf countries and the United States in order to debate all issues, achieve convergent visions and policies and achieve mutual benefits. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out that the forum represents an appropriate opportunity to prepare a renewed Gulf vision to deal with the current changes and stressed the need for research centers in moderate countries to communicate more effectively with U.S. think tanks and decision-making centers in order to convey their visions and messages more clearly.