FM highlights HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s role in boosting Bahrain-Asia partnership
Kuala Lumpur, May 27 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the participation of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in the ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit provided a significant boost to the partnership with the bloc.
He described the visit of His Royal Highness as a step forward in enhancing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s strategic and developmental partnerships with Asian countries under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The minister indicated that the visit to Kuala Lumpur emphasised the strong relations and cooperation between Bahrain and Malaysia. He noted the commitment of His Majesty the King and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the King of Malaysia, to advancing bilateral ties, reflected in the signing of seven memoranda of understanding. These covered political consultations, industrial zone development, human resources management, higher education, data sovereignty, maritime and air logistics, and cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry.
Dr. Al Zayani added that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s participation in the second ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, on behalf of His Majesty the King, reflected Bahrain’s diplomatic approach to promoting peace, dialogue, and coexistence. He noted Bahrain’s support for stronger economic and development partnerships with Asian nations to foster regional and international security and prosperity.
The minister also referred to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s call for the international community to support HM the King’s initiative to hold an international peace conference for the Middle East. He underlined the need for diplomatic solutions to conflicts, support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, the establishment of an independent state based on the two-state solution, delivery of humanitarian aid, reconstruction of Gaza, protection of global trade routes, and joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Dr. Al Zayani added that Bahrain, through HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s participation in the summits, highlighted its full support for launching free trade agreements between the GCC and both Malaysia and ASEAN countries. He also emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to building sustainable partnerships in food security, tourism, human development, clean energy, infrastructure, and digital innovation. His Royal Highness also reiterated his call for a global treaty on the responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence, and for reforming international organisations, including financial and economic institutions, to make them more inclusive and just.
The minister said that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, through the visit and international engagements, presented a comprehensive and ambitious diplomatic and development vision. He noted that this reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting peace and security under the leadership of His Majesty the King, expanding strategic partnerships with ASEAN and China, and supporting sustainable development, cultural dialogue, and international solidarity for a more peaceful and prosperous world.
