Bahrain's efforts to boost regional, international security stressed

Washington, Nov. 16 (BNA): Board of Trustees Chairman of Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT) Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa participated in a panel discussion during a workshop on the future of the Gulf-US relations which was held at the Gulf Countries Centre, in Washington, in the presence of diplomats, academics, senior officials and researchers. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah warned of the danger of a potential dramatic international system downfall because of the current policies which lack justice and consistency. He pointed out the ongoing conflicts and wars, stressing that history could repeat itself but with more bloodshed and devastating losses that humanity can not bear. He pointed out the growing armament race and the support of some countries to terrorism to carry out a foreign agenda. He underlined the continuous and blatant duplication of standards and failure to work out satisfactory solutions to existing and emergent crises. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah revealed that the regional system in the Middle East is a reflection of the international system with all its drawbacks and contradictions. He stressed that without the action of the Arab countries of moderation, many countries in the region would have become hot spots for sectarianism and ethnic conflicts and a source of terrorism and immigrants. He underscored the need for a rapid and massive restoration of the regional system through concerted international efforts and boosting human values and coexistence. He also emphasised the need to deal firmly with supporting and funding terrorism, being essential and inevitable procedures to get out of the dark tunnel. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, presents a sustainable reform model. He added that the kingdom’s foreign policy is based on inherent international and humanitarian principles. He noted that civilised coexistence is a pillar of the reform approach in the kingdom, citing in this respect the royal civilisational, humanitarian and development initiatives. He also pointed out success of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 in diversifying sources of national revenues and promoting technology-based services. “The Kingdom of Bahrain shapes its future and there will be zero tolerance regarding its security and stability,” Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said, stressing the kingdom’s efforts to handle regional and international challenges, including mainly the globalization of extremism and terrorism. He also denounced interference in the internal affairs of the countries in the region which is in breach of the principles of good neighbourliness and international conventions. He called to reach consensual solutions to regional crises to guarantee a secure and stable life for the peoples and preserve national institutions. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah praised strategic partnership between Bahrain and the USA and its role in boosting regional security. He hailed the goals of the “Middle East Strategic Coalition”, expressing hope it would boost security and prosperity in the region.