HM the King patronises Palestinian ambassadors' conference

Manama, Apr. 11 (BNA): Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and in the presence of Deputy Premier, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the conference of the ambassadors of the State of Palestine to Arab and Islamic countries was held here today. Addressing the conference, President Abbas expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad and the Kingdom of Bahrain, for their constant support to the Palestinian cause on all occasions, and keenness to reach a just solution to it. The Palestinian President reiterated the State of Palestine's unwavering support to the Kingdom of Bahrain. President Abbas also reviewed the efforts being exerted to reach a solution to the Palestinian cause in order to establish an independent Palestinian state, with the support of brotherly and friendly countries. Foreign Affairs Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, also delivered a speech during the conference, in which he asserted that the people of Bahrain considers the Palestinian issue its first cause, and is eager to be informed about Palestine-related events on a daily basis, stressing that the great decades-long contributions of the State of Palestine will never be forgotten. The minister reiterated Bahrain's firm stance in support of the tireless efforts exerted by President Abbas and the Palestinian ambassadors to Arab and Islamic countries in order to enable the Palestinian people to overcome the serious challenges facing them. He stressed that the endeavours of President Abbas and ambassadors have yielded remarkable and crucial successes, citing the historical Resolution 2334 issued by the UN Security Council and demanded Israel to halt the building of settlements on the occupied Palestinian lands, which, he said, is considered a victory for the Palestinian right, and reflects an international consensus on the illegality of settlements and the rejection of the occupation, as well as its practices and its consequences. Shaikh Khalid stressed that the Palestinian cause will maintain its status as a top priority in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and its foreign policy that supports all regional and international efforts to reach a just and lasting deal based on the two-state solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the International Legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. The Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that reaching a lasting and just solution to the Palestinian cause requires carrying on the current efforts, and requires the International Community to assume its responsibilities and compel Israel to accept peace, respect the International Law and the related UN resolutions and be aware of the risks of the continuity of the status quo without any solution. Shaikh Khalid expressed hope that an independent Palestinian State will be established on the Palestinian national territory, with East Jerusalem as its capital, calling upon Israel to support the two-state solution if it is willing to ensure security and stability for its people. The two-state solution is a guarantor for a prosperous future to ensure that the region becomes an oasis of co-existence and tolerance among all, and not a violence hotbed that poses a threat to everyone, the minister said. The Palestinian Foreign Minister expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to HM King Hamad and the Government of Bahrain for hosting the conference for the second time, which, he said, proves Bahrain's interest in the Palestinian cause and support for the Palestinian people's struggle for the sake of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Earlier, the Palestinian Ambassador to Bahrain, Taha Abdul-Qader, delivered a statement at the opening of the conference, in which he extended utmost thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad for his patronage of the event, and expressed appreciation to President Abbas for attending the conference. He also lauded the support of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, for their support to the Palestinian cause, praising the efforts made by the Foreign Minister to ensure the success of the conference. Deputy Premier, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Palestinian President and his accompanying delegation, as well as the Palestinian ambassadors to Arab and Islamic countries. Deputy Premier, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Shura Council Chairman, Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, ministers and guests attended the luncheon.