International officials commend Bahrain’s role in advancing dialogue and cooperation

Manama, Nov. 1 (BNA): Senior officials, military leaders and experts taking part in the 2025 International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue commended Bahrain’s vital role in fostering diplomacy, peace and regional cooperation amid an increasingly complex global landscape.

In their remarks to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), they commended the platform provided by the Manama Dialogue for international diplomatic engagement.

Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, described the Manama Dialogue as "a useful platform for security and foreign policy practitioners to come together and discuss the main burning issues of the global agenda".

He highlighted the inclusive nature of the event, noting that it brings together representatives of academia, civil society and even the private sector, which he said, enriches the discussions.

Rafiyev added that such exchanges are crucial during a time of uncertainty for international diplomacy. "We are really going through a very challenging period for multilateralism and international diplomacy", he said. "Whatever dialogue we are having here will definitely contribute positively to building bridges among ourselves and creating an enabling environment for diplomacy to work".

Lieutenant General Jimmy Larida, Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, expressed similar appreciation for the spirit of cooperation promoted at the forum. "One of the pillars to solve any conflict is cooperation, and we can build cooperation by talking", he said. "We should not build walls that divide us, but bridges that connect us".

He praised the selection of the speakers and the depth of the discussions and reflections on global dynamics and their political, economic and strategic impact.

Mohammad Hawash, Senior Research Assistant for the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, underscored the significance of plenary sessions and sideline meetings at the forum, as an essential tool of international diplomacy. He noted the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world and the increasing role of regional heavyweights and global powers such as the European Union and China.