Bahrain's pioneering role in tackling security, global issues stressed

Manama, Dec. 4 (BNA): Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh has affirmed the importance of the Manama Dialogue as a global and strategic platform that showcases the pioneering role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in working out initiatives and solutions to security and international issues. He added the forum also underscores the kingdom’s unwavering approach in achieving global peace based on the royal and comprehensive development march, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Shura Council Chairman commended the support and interest accorded to the Manama Dialogue by the esteemed government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He stressed keenness of HRH Prince Salman to attend the forum’s sessions and hold discussions with international officials and experts. Al Saleh pointed out Bahrain’s keenness to host the Manama Dialogue for the 16th year amid exceptional circumstances undergone by the world because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He added this reflects utter belief in the need for synergized efforts by officials and decision-makers from all over the world to work out mechanisms to overcome challenges and weather the repercussions of the pandemic. He praised the interest given by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and allocating sessions of the Manama Dialogue to discuss “Global Governance in the Aftermath of COVID-19”. The Shura Council Chairman pointed out that the number of participants in the Manama Dialogue this year, which reached around 3000 policy-makers and experts from 50 countries, underscores the importance of the forum and its role in mapping out strategic solutions to security challenges and conflicts in the Middle East. He also pointed out the importance of the event in exchanging expertise and visions regarding regional and international issues. Al Saleh described the forum’s sessions and the constructive debate as the main basis for a consensus between the decision-makers and politicians concerning solutions and ways to handle risks and threats, be they in the health sector because of global pandemics or the dangers of terrorism, extremism and criminality. He also noted that the kingdom’s success in hosting the Manama Dialogue constitutes an additional achievement added to Bahrain’s track-record of accomplishments during the coronavirus pandemic, which underlines Bahrain’s status as a host of major international events.