MoFA's Undersecretary participates in IISS roundtable in presence of ambassadors

Manama, Oct. 7 (BNA): The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa, commended the pivotal role played by of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in contributing to the establishment of the Manama Dialogue, which is closely linked to the principles of Bahraini diplomacy. She added that in the context of enhanced diplomacy and open discussion, this creates different ways of communicating between governmental and non-governmental participants, noting that delegates to this dialogue will be able to communicate openly at the bilateral and multilateral levels on issues of concern to the region, and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proud to work closely with the International Institute for Strategic Studies and looks forward to further cooperation and coordination with the Institute. This came during the Undersecretary’s participation in the roundtable discussion organized by IISS, entitled "THE IISS MANAMA DIALOGUE 2019, AMBASSADORS ROUNDTABLE", where the Executive Director of IISS–Middle East, Sir Tom Beckett, started off by delivering his opening speech, in the presence of accredited ambassadors to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Dr. Shaikha Rana noted that as the host nation of IISS Manama Dialogue, the Kingdom of Bahrain looks forward to the 15th edition Manama Dialogue, which the Kingdom holds annually. She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs works closely with the IISS to ensure delivery of a summit of high calibre, and is keen to have yet another successful summit that the Kingdom has always had over the past years at the regional and international levels. The Undersecretary affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes great consideration and pride in working alongside the IISS with the objective of creating an inviting environment that strengthens the lines of communication between policy makers, thus contributing to enhancing security, development and stability in the region and the world. Dr. Shaikha Rana pointed out that Manama Dialogue creates an opportunity for participating delegates to contribute their ideas and perspective regarding regional security, noting the Ministry’s constant keenness to in ensuring to extend all means of facilitation, as this Dialogue is a testament to the Kingdom’s continued strategic values in ensuring an open and transparent space for discussion. Dr. Shaikha Rana welcomed the work, participation and cooperation of the attendees with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Institute for Strategic Studies in hosting their distinguished government representatives in the Manama Dialogue, to encourage high level participation from various countries as it is a reference point for key policy makers to hold an open and constructive discussion of pressing regional security issues. In her closing remarks, Dr. Shaikha Rana thanked IISS for organizing this roundtable, which provided a great opportunity to participate and exchange meaningful views and points of view while discussing issues of common interest.