HM King receives senior participants in 15th IISS Manama Dialogue

Manama, Nov. 23 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received, at the Al-Sakhir Palace today, senior participants in the Manama Dialogue, which is organised for the 15th straight year by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), in cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Ministry. HM the King shook hands with the kingdom’s distinguished guests, and welcomed their participation in 15th IISS Manama Dialogue. Then, HM King Hamad delivered the following keynote address: “It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to Bahrain. Year after year, some of the most impressive figures of our age – with a deep understanding of the region – gather here to share ideas. Politicians and academics, military and intelligence services; from across the world, you come with the hope that peace and prosperity can triumph over conflict and chaos. “Organising an event like the Manama Dialogue is an extraordinary task, and for that we must thank the International Institute of Strategic Studies and its staff, both in London and Bahrain. We are particularly grateful to General Sir Tom Beckett for his excellent stewardship of this event. “This is the fifteenth year of the Manama Dialogue and the need for this gathering is greater than ever. Across the region we face profound challenges: terrorism and extremism; piracy and poverty; conflict in Yemen and Libya. The war in Syria enters its ninth year, continuing the suffering of the Syrian people. The fall-out from these conflicts has been felt in the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. “These challenges may be profound, but we are resolute in our quest for peace. The more our enemies plot to destabilise us, the more closely we collaborate with our friends. From policing the waters of the Gulf to co-operating on cyber security, we are stronger when we work together. That is the spirit that animates the Manama Dialogue. “It is my dearest hope that our children and grandchildren grow up in a world where peace is almost guaranteed; where religion unifies rather than divides; and where true freedom is enjoyed by all. That future hinges on the security of the Middle East – and that in turn hinges on those who attend this event: the discussions you have, and the relationships you form. “I wish you every success – and once again, I welcome you to Bahrain.” HM King Hamad hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the senior participants in the IISS Manama Dialogue. HM the King exchanged talks with those present on the importance of such meetings in providing promising opportunities for communication and exchange of expertise.