Lecture: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia succeeded in overcoming economic, security challenges

Riyadh, Mar. 16 (BNA): Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT) Board of Trustees' Chairman, and Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, has delivered a lecture themed “Two Kingdoms … Between Progress Visions and Regional Security”, at the Riyadh International Book Fair. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed lauded the long-standing solid brotherly Bahraini-Saudi relations, describing them as exemplary ties that are based on the principles of rapprochement, solidarity and comprehensive strategic complementarity thanks to the sound directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. While highlighting the region’s modernisation and progress efforts, as well as the security threats to it, the lecturer stressed that the Economic Vision for Bahrain 2030 and the Saudi Vision 2030 represented clear and serious road maps for achieving comprehensive development in the two countries. On Bahrain, he said HM the King's forward-looking vision has resulted in launching an integrated comprehensive modernisation project that strengthened the pillars of a modern civil state, taking into account the country’s identity and values. On Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, he asserted that it was launched in 2008 as a pioneering national document aimed at moving from an oil-dependent economy to a productive and competitive economy, supported by the government and involving the private sector, in accordance with the principles of sustainability, competitiveness and fairness, to ensure a decent and secure life for all the citizens. Highlighting the fruitful results gained by the kingdom after 10 years into the implementation of its economic vision, the lecturer affirmed that Bahrain boasts a rich record of successes and investment confidence, citing mainly the increase of non-oil sectors’ contributions to the country’s GDP by 80%, the kingdom’s ranking first Arab and 18th internationally in the Economic Freedom Index issued by the US-based Heritage Foundation and the government’s success in maintaining an unemployment rate below 4%. Comparing the economic visions of the two countries, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed said that they both emanate from their leaderships’ belief in the importance of a well-thought of preparation for the post-oil period through the smart-oil economy and then the digital and innovative economy. He also said that the two visions aim to invest in human resources through providing them with all requirements of decent and secure life, take advantage of the two countries’ natural and qualified human resources, achieve the highest growth rates, increase non-oil revenues, and create a stimulating atmosphere for entrepreneurship and innovation to enhance their status in the knowledge based economy. He also indicated that the two visions have a social dimension as they aim to create cohesive communities whose members are proud of their identity and belonging, in accordance with the precepts of the Islamic Sharia and the principles of moderation. He stressed that he is fully confident that a promising future lays ahead for the two kingdoms, as proved by the existing indicators. On the challenges facing the two kingdom’s openness and modernisation efforts, the lecturer said that since 2011, the region is going through an unprecedented wave of civil wars, terrorism, extremism, sectarianism and chaos, as well as foreign interference. In this context, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed pointed out that Iran is the first sponsor state of extremism and terrorism in the region through implementing its plans using illegitimate means for the sake of destabilising the region in what is called the “New Generation War”, noting that Iran’s activities pose a serious threat to regional security, as well as to maritime navigation and energy supplies. Tackling the issue of Qatar, he said that it is playing a destructive role in the region, citing its targeting of GCC and key Arab countries in a constant and systematic way. He asserted that the problem is in Qatar’s irresponsible conduct and keenness to subvert the stability of the region’s countries through draining its wealth although “it is well aware that the solution is in Riyadh and that it has to be fully committed to the agreements”. On the terrorism, he stressed that it is the major challenge facing the world, in light of some countries’ sponsorship, financing and harbouring of terrorist organisations. He affirmed that the previous period has proved that moderate GCC countries are the most capable of facing the “New Generation Wars” and even foiling them preemptively. In this regard, he said that Saudi Arabia has succeeded in foiling plots to subvert the GCC security and in reducing the repercussions of the “Arab Destruction”. The lecturer highlighted HM King Hamad’s success in devising an integrated strategy to face destabilising plots based on continuous reforms, cementing national unity, promoting moderation, tolerance and citizenship, achieving comprehensive sustainable development and strengthening positive regional and global cooperation to achieve peace and prosperity. He stressed that the current phase requires strengthening Arab unity, solidarity and joint action. Concluding his lecture, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa affirmed that the economic successes and the progress march in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will continue unabated thanks to their leaderships’ wisdom, forward-looking visions and firm stances.