Foreign Ministry Undersecretary meets IISS Executive Director

Manama, Nov.9 (BNA): Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, met with the Executive Director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the Middle East, Sir Tom Beckett. In attendance were the General Coordinator for Studies and Research at the Office of the First Deputy Prime Minister as well as senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Shaikha Rana underscored the important role played by IISS in the Middle East in introducing and raising awareness of all regional and international issues in various political, economic, military and other fields. She stressed the importance of IISS research activities and conferences which aim to enhance opportunities of security, stability, development, and prosperity for people and countries of the region as well as support efforts of the international community in facing various challenges. She hailed IISS Middle East’s continuous progress and development, which reflects the efforts of those in charge of it and their keenness on enhancing its role on the regional and international levels, stressing the ministry’s approach in joint action and mutual coordination. The Undersecretary expressed her appreciation for the tireless efforts made by IISS Middle East in organizing the Manama Dialogue Conference in cooperation with the Foreign Minister. She commended the continuous continuous successes of the platform which became one of the most important international fora in discussing various regional and global developments and changes and contributing in facing all challenges. She added that the Manama Dialogue Conference has become one of the leading strategic initiatives that support stability across the whole world in light of the wide regional and global participation it enjoys from senior officials, specialists, and experts. For his part, Sir Tom Beckett stressed his pleasure to have met with Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, reflecting his appreciation for the existing cooperation between IISS and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also underlined his hope to enhance cooperation on various levels. The meeting also saw the discussion of a number of issues of common interest and the exchanging of views and consultations on the Manama Dialogue Conference, which is to be held during the coming period.