Foreign Minister urges concerted Arab efforts to face challenges

Cairo, Sept. 6 (BNA): The Minister of Foreign Affairs, HDr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, participated in the 158th session of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers, which was held today at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo. In his remarks at the meeting, the Minister noted that the Arab world is facing many challenges today, which requires concerted efforts to address the growing dangers and all that may destabilize Arab security and violate the sovereignty of Arab countries. He said that Bahrain stresses the urgent need for Arab countries to unite and take all measures to combat extremist ideology and eliminate its sources of funding. He added that Bahrain rejects external interference in the internal affairs of any country, and that the Kingdom expects other countries to adhere to this basic principle in regulating relations between countries and maintaining global security and stability. He stressed Bahrain’s condemnation and rejection of foreign parties’ adoption of militias, terrorist organizations and extremist groups present in the region. Dr. Al-Zayani affirmed Bahrain's unequivocal position on the Palestinian issue and its support for the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the principle of the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative and resolutions of international legitimacy. He expressed Bahrain’s welcome to the announcement by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen to extend the armistice in Yemen for an additional two months, further paving the way for a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peaceful settlement of the conflict, in accordance with the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and Security Council Resolution No. 2216, in a manner that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people for security, stability, and prosperity. He stressed that water security is an integral part of Arab national security, expressing Bahrain's support for Egypt and Sudan in the issue of the Renaissance Dam. The delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain participating in the meeting included the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Hisham bin Mohammed Al-Jowder, the Chief of Arab Affairs, Ahmed Al-Tarifi, and the delegation accompanying the Minister.