Bahrain dedicated to serving Arab Nation

Manama, Apr. 13 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain is participating in the 28th Arab Summit, set to held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on April 14-15, in line with its principled and unwavering belief in the importance of enhancing Arab solidarity, and unifying stances and resolve towards challenges to the Arab Nation during this critical historical phase requiring all Arab countries to unify their stances, put aside their differences and rally ranks to face challenges collectively. The Kingdom is well aware of the importance of this summit, which is taking place in the midst of critical international and regional circumstances and the great challenges facing the Arab region and the world, which requires the adoption of the necessary serious measures and mechanisms that help Arab countries to overcome this phase peacefully in order to preserve the entity of the Nation and defend the future generations at a clear pace, within a framework of Arab solidarity aimed at protecting Arab collective security and supporting joint Arab action. Bahrain is striving to upgrade the levels of coordination and consultation among Arab countries, as the best means to unify ranks in the face of the challenges to the Arab Nation and the plots staged against it for the aim of undermining its security and stability. The kingdom is aware of the importance of unifying Arab stances towards fateful issues, and this can be done through developing collective Arab action to preserve Arab countries’ unity, sovereignty and stability, as well as through the Arab League, being an all-inclusive Arab framework that reflects Arab unity and solidarity. The Arab countries look forward to the Arab Summit in Dhahran with optimism and hope, as they consider the host country, Saudi Arabia, a leader in defending their interests and issues, amid the crucial phase they are going through. History shows that Bahrain has always defended its belonging to the Arab Nation, and that it is an integral part of the great Arab Nation, and this was evident in the referendum held by the UN in 1971, when the Bahraini people affirmed its commitment to its Arab identity and Nation. Indeed, since its accession to the Arab League, the kingdom has been steadfast in championing Arab rights, particularly the Palestinian cause, as well as its adamant support for Arab solidarity and complementarity in various fields, and this is reflected in the multiple pan-Arab initiatives taken by Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. In addition, the kingdom has contributed significantly to serving the Arab Nation through chairing the 15th Arab Summit in Sharm El-Shaikh in 2003, as well as the meetings of the Arab ministerial council and the Arab League Council. The kingdom has also been a member of the Arab Peace Initiative, out of its keenness on boosting joint Arab action and the peace process in the Middle East. Bahrain has also supported key Arab issues, most notably anti-terrorism, piracy and other efforts, and played a prominent role in defending the Arab countries in the face of Iran's blatant interference in its internal affairs through its membership in the Arab Quartet Committee to deal with these interventions. On economy, the Kingdom played a prominent and effective role during the first economic development summit held in Kuwait in January 2009, which aimed to support joint Arab economic action, enhance openness to global economy and the WTO and attracting investments. On Arab-regional cooperation, Bahrain hosted the third Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in May 2007, and was a founding member of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) which started in 1998. Bahraini competencies have also contributed to enhancing joint Arab action through holding key posts. The kingdom has always supported Arab complementarity through multiple initiatives, including HM the King’s initiatives on the country’s hosting the headquarters of the Joint Arab Bourse Project, and the establishing the Arab Court for Human Rights, as well as Bahrain’s hosting many Arab meetings. The kingdom has also ratified most Arab agreements, treaties and covenants issued by the Arab League, in line with its belief in their importance in strengthening joint Arab action and solidarity. The Kingdom has always welcomed hosting any Arab institution that promotes joint Arab action, including the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Company (ASRI) of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), which are among the specialised organisations of the Arab League.