Bahrain participates in Proliferation Security Initiative meeting

Manama, May 16 (BNA): Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa participated in a high-level political meeting on the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)in Paris. Dr. Shaikha Rana, in her speech, highlighted Bahrain's firm stance on the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and intensifying efforts to limit its spread and contain its production to the stage of comprehensive disarmament in order to achieve security and stability in the world. In addition to the need to adopt a new and comprehensive approach to ensure effective action to seek an end to the threat posed by these weapons. Dr. Shaikha Rana said that the access of terrorist groups to weapons of mass destruction continues to pose a major threat to global security, noting that although progress had been made in recent years to reduce these risks, the need for further action is still pressing. Dr. Shaikha Rana highlighted that the technologies are now available to a wider audience, stressing the value of concerted national and global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, a role played by this initiative combined with all its members, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, which joined the initiative in 2006. The Undersecretary stated that our common goal must be to secure nuclear weapons, biological and chemical weapons, to eliminate them whenever possible and to implement effective controls on the domestic possession of dual-use materials related to weapons of mass destruction and their export. Although there are different challenges with respect to the peaceful use of each type of hazardous substance, United Nations organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are cooperating with Member States to address these challenges, with the need to strengthen this vital work through effective international controls which are agreed upon. On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr. Shaikha Rana met Deputy Director for Political Affairs and Security of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eric Danon, and praised the distinguished relations between Bahrain and France and their progress in various fields.  The meeting viewed the latest international and regional developments, including the challenges and the actual dangers of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and means of achieving international peace and security, as well as the exchange of experiences with regard to relevant international agreements and future cooperation between the two friendly countries, and further progressing this cooperation to achieve common interests.  The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs viewed the efforts made by the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, which is responsible for following up on all matters relating to weapons of mass destruction, and has been headed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since its establishment. Danon expressed his appreciation of Bahrain's efforts and rapid steps that reflect its aspirations in this initiative, especially through the contributions of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the meeting, noting the importance of continuing coordination between the two sides in the relevant fields.