DERASAT Chairman meets US think tanks

Manama, Oct. 4(BNA): Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT) Board of Trustees’ Chairman Shaikh Dr Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa held meetings with prestigious American think tanks in Washington, DC. He highlighted Bahraini-US partnership, ways to strengthen joint ties , and latest regional developments, in addition to the role that think tanks play in building bridges of peace and enhancing international security. He attended a dialogue session with the leaders of the Atlantic Council Foundation, with the participation of Jonathan Benfcock, Director of the Scowcroft Security Initiative for the Middle East, and William Wechler, Director of the Rafik Hariri Center and the Council's Middle East Program. He also met representatives of the Middle East Institute, in the presence of the Institute's President and CEO Paul Salem, and Vice President and Director of Policy Management Brian Katillos. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla also held a meeting with officials of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, led by Cliff May, President of the Foundation During the meetings, he highlighted the Bahrain’s foreign policy, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, stressed the Kingdom’s role in consolidating the collective security system and combating terrorism. He said that the Middle East region needs stability and sustainable development, for the benefit of its peoples and the world at large, urging the international community to unite to deter threats to international peace and security. He highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to promote values of peace and tolerance, noting that the Kingdom will the forum “East and West Dialogue for Human Coexistence” under the HM the King’s auspices, and in the presence of His Holiness the Pope of the Vatican, and His Eminence Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Grand Imam. He said that The Government of Bahrain, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, , has succeeded in managing the process of financial reform, economic and technical development, promoting competitiveness and entrepreneurship. Discussions focused on the role of think tanks in promoting security strategies, and regional and international policies, in a way that contributes to building common visions and advancing the close partnership and alliance relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America.