DERASAT to hold first forum on Monday

Manama, Jan. 7 (BNA): The subversive role of Qatar in destabilizing the region will come under the spotlight in a forum organized by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT). The first edition of the forum will be held on Monday under the theme “Qatar, the Godfather of Chaos and Crises in the Middle East”. More than 240 participants from different countries will take part in the symposium, which convenes amid regional developments which have pitfalls on the Middle East. DERASAT Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa stressed the importance of the platform, stressing the necessity of highlighting the crucial issues of pan-Arab security and counter-terrorism. “The security of the region is a red line not to be crossed by any party”, he said in an interview with Bahrain News Agency (BNA), on the eve of the forum which, he said, reflects Bahrain’s identity, millennia-old history and lofty human values. He underlined Bahrain’s standing as a country which champions of cause of peace in the world and adopts a steadfast and balanced political line. “The Kingdom of Bahrain has set a model to emulate for reform, public liberties, rule of the law and state institutions”, he said, stressing the Kingdom’s standing which has been hailed as the beacon of dialogue and cultures. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla underscored the crucial importance of the annual forum which, he said, emanates from the desire to provide a platform to scrutinize policies, assess issues and developments which affect Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf region, launch initiatives and promote dialogue. He hailed Bahrain’s liberties, openness and democratic strides in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. He paid tribute to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.