Diplomatic Forum highlights Bahrain’s policy

Manama, Jan. 16(BNA): Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said that the foreign policy of the Kingdom of Bahrain is based on strong and solid foundations, thanks to the wise leadership and directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This came during a speech delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Diplomatic Forum of the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which was held today, in the presence of a number of accredited Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Bahrain to celebrate 50 years of Bahraini diplomacy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the Kingdom of Bahrain has been an independent Arab Muslim country since 1783, and in the early nineteenth century signed an agreement with Great Britain on cooperation in military and foreign affairs, which is considered one of the oldest diplomatic agreements between the two countries. He also added that after Bahrain had joined the United Nations in 1971 as a full member, Britain considered this agreement unnecessary. He noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain and the friendly United Kingdom celebrated two years ago the 200th anniversary of Bahrain-UK relations, which was established at that time to achieve common interests. The Minister of Foreign Affairs described the Kingdom of Bahrain's foreign policy and priorities as flexible and constantly subject to evaluation, review and realignment of priorities, while also being committed to major principles since joining the United Nations until now, namely: asserting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Bahrain, protecting its security, defending its interests, and strengthening its status and its external reputation as well as consolidating its civilizational image. He also highlighted the Kingdom’s principles in strengthening its relations with brotherly and friendly countries, developing cooperation with regional and international organizations, adopting collective action in defense of Arab and Islamic issues. He affirmed the consolidation of values and principles of humanity in our society such as peace, coexistence and dialogue between different cultures and peoples, and the importance of addressing the threats facing the international community as a whole, regarding violence, extremism and terrorism in all its forms as well as the policies of some countries seeking to destabilize security and stability in the region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the celebration of 50 years of Bahraini diplomacy will pave the way for further Bahraini achievements in various fields, noting the great role of the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Bahrain in achieving these goals and implementing His Majesty’s directives through maintaining constant communication with the officials of the countries accredited to them and conducting meetings with them on various occasions. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Ambassadors participating in the meetings of the Forum and their efforts in introducing innovative ideas that will contribute to developing diplomatic work and reaching its objectives. The first session of the forum dealt with "the role of diplomatic missions abroad in promoting and attracting foreign investment", with the attendance of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa, and the Assistant Undersecretary for Consular Affairs Resources & Information System, Ambassador Khalil Yaqoub Al-Khayat. The second session discussed "strengthening bilateral and international relations" with the attendance of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Assistant Undersecretary for Western Countries & Afro-Asian Affairs, Ambassador Tawfeeq Ahmed Al Mansoor, while the third session revolved around "the challenges and visions of the future of the Middle East", with the attendance of the Assistant Foreign Minister, Abdulla bin Faisal bin Jabur Al Doseri, the Undersecretary of Regional & GCC Affairs, Ambassador Waheed Mubarak Sayyar, and the Assistant Undersecretary for GCC and Arab Countries Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Mohamed Abdulla Jameel.