Bahrain is first state of defence to region, says HH Shaikh Nasser

Manama, Nov. 24 (BNA): Bahrain, the first state of defence to the region, has emerged as a security hub for the global community. “The 15th edition of Manama Dialogue Security Summit 2019 that concluded on Sunday is also reflective of the Kingdom’s resolve and commitment to keep the entire region safe from nefarious designs of rogue states,” Major-General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa told Bahrain News Agency on the sidelines of the IISS Manama Dialogue 2019. “It took me a long time to believe that Bahrain has completed 15 years since the first IISS,” HH Shaikh Nasser, who is Representative of HM the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, said. “It started in 2004 as an ambition project and now it has become a necessity for the global community to meet and deliberate on security, stability and threats. The number of guests we had here from around world, the caliber of the speakers and the level of discussions as well as the diverse topics over the three-days of conference indicate the volume of importance of the region. Collaboration right now and how the region is facing threats from the common enemy are very important for our present and future,” HH Shaikh Nasser said. “We are proud that we have joined the International Maritime Security Construct, the US-led alliance. Bahrain is the first trench in the region facing a common enemy with this coalition. In this region, we are sure this is the right thing to do to protect the interest of the world and to make sure we continue as usual,” HH Shaikh Nasser added, while replying to a question about the significance of the Kingdom joining of the maritime coalition. “The topics discussed on the IISS platform were very important and on the top of it, the deliberations and dialogue among the participants help to form a common opinion on various issue. The connections we are building here are for our future and our jobs. I think it’s very crucial because as we have seen how this dialogue has been growing and the outcome of this event is of great importance for the global community. The networking and bilateral meetings during the course of the security summit are of great importance for all participating countries,” Shaikh Nasser said.