HM King addresses Arab Summit

Dhahran, Apr. 15 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today headed the kingdom’s delegation to the 29th Arab Summit, which kicked off here today. HM the King delivered a speech in which he extended thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud for inviting him to take part in the Arab Summit. HM King Hamad expressed utmost optimism that King Salman’s wise leadership will consolidate Arab countries’ international presence, and enable them to work effectively and constructively with allies and friends as essential parties that determine the course of the regional and global challenges they face, particularly foreign interference and ambitions, which, he said, requires more solidarity and cooperation as the best means to unify the Arab entity and ensure its security and stability.  HM the King also expressed thanks and appreciation to HM King Abdulla II ibn Al-Hussain of Jordan for his wise leadership of the Arab Summit during his presidency, citing Jordan’s initiatives and clear contributions to enhancing joint action. HM the King also paid tribute to the Arab Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and the Arab League Secretariat-General’s staff for their clear efforts to prepare for the 29th Summit. "We are confident that the presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of this Arab Summit’s session at this critical phase will benefit all our countries, which will make them, God willing, able to move forward to promote joint action and preserve Arab national security," the King said. HM King Hamad stressed that "cooperation among brothers" is the best means to preserve Arab countries’ capabilities, and ensure their security and stability so as to be able to repel repeated foreign interference in their domestic affairs. Through this, HM the King affirmed, Arab countries will be able to rearrange the situation in our region back to normal, safeguard their interests and maintain the security and stability of their peoples. "Bahrain always appreciates your courageous stances in support of it, and in rejection and condemnation of external interference that affects the internal affairs of our country, and which we are working on repelling and defeating," HM the King added. Referring to regional Arab and regional issues, HM the King said: "The International Community is required today to play a bigger role to impose and implement its resolutions, and to revive the positive atmosphere that provides more opportunities for the success of the path of political settlement of Arab and regional issues and crises, puts an end to external interventions, provides the necessary protection for affected peoples, and paves the way for reaching practical solutions that reinstate those countries’ ability to preserve their sovereignty, security and independence." "We also reaffirm our steadfast position towards the brotherly Palestinian people and its leadership, which is at the top of our priorities, stressing the need for a just and comprehensive peace that leads to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy," HM the King said while referring to the Palestinian issue. "We renew our optimism of the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his great efforts to ensure a strong Arab role, a unified position and a clear message that the International Community understands, appreciates and responds to," HM the King added. HM King Hamad expressed deepest appreciation of and pride in all the armed forces participating in the "Joint Gulf Shied I" drill, currently held in Saudi Arabia, wishing the exercise every success, and expressing hope that similar joint military drills will be held, given their great benefits on Arab countries’ security, and peoples’ progress. HM the King expressed gratitude to King Salman for the gracious welcome and hospitality accorded to him, noting that Saudi Arabia enjoys a distinguished position in the hearts of All Arabs and Muslims.