Minister of Foreign Affairs joins Hook in Atlantic Council panel discussion on regional issues

Washington, July 17 (BNA): The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, participated in a panel discussion with the United States Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State Brian Hook. The minister’s participation in the discussion organized by the Atlantic Council in Washington on regional issues was within the framework of his official visit to the United States. Shaikh Khalid expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Atlantic Council, reflecting his pride to join Hook in the panel discussion. He shed light on the Peace to Prosperity workshop hosted by Bahrain, which was successful in achieving its objectives and in encouraging investments in the State of Palestine in order to improve the economy and achieve development and prosperity for the Palestinian people. He also stressed the need to have a State for Palestine as much as there needs to be a State for Israel, noting the efforts exerted by the United States to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region. The minister emphasized that Iran is a danger to peace and security in the region and the world, noting that its support to the Houthi militias in Yemen is hindering the achievement of a solution that ensures the restoration of peace and security in the country. He also reviewed the Iranian interference in Bahrain, including supporting terrorism as well as training and harboring terrorists and establishing terrorist groups in order to stir strife and undermine the Kingdom’s stability and security. The minister also reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the steps taken by the United States to pressure Iran and end its ongoing interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries. Shaikh Khalid pointed out the importance of keeping the GCC’s progress towards prosperity in the region on track and stressed the need for Qatar to respond to the demands of the boycotting countries in a transparent and serious manner. Hook noted the need to confront Iran that poses a major threat to the stability and security of the region, adding that there is a near international unanimity on rejecting its policies that are based on exporting the Iranian revolution, controlling the region and dividing it along sectarian lines.