National committee follows up Bahrain commitment to all UNSC resolutions

Manama, Oct. 15 (BNA): The National Committee for Follow-Up on the Kingdom of Bahrain†s Commitment to All Security Council Resolutions convened its fourth meeting at Ministry of Foreign Affairs today presided by the Ministry's Undersecretary of for International Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, with the participation of members of the committee representing the relevant ministries and government bodies. At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah thanked the members of the committee and their respective bodies on their active and distinguished participation in the "workshop to safeguard non-profit sector from terrorist abuse" which was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain between the 3rd-4th of September, in partnership with experts from the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism and the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), as well as representatives of 19 bodies with a total of 83 participants, including representatives of civil society organizations, banks and financial institutions. The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the working groups emanating from the National Committee, and the efforts exerted in establishing integrated system related to the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions in accordance with the expected standards and requirements. During the meeting, they also exchanged view on the mechanisms of completing the committee's work plan for this year in line with the aspirations and programs of the relevant ministries and government agencies. The undersecretary pointed out that the National Committee continues to exert efforts to follow-up the UN Security Council resolutions, namely combating terrorism. He added that the Committee works on enhancing coordination with the relevant bodies in the Kingdom, as well as taking all the necessary measures in this regard and in line with the partnership with the United Nations. He also stressed that Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, stemming from a vision that believes in the importance of abiding by international laws and agreements to protect comprehensive security, achieve sustainable development and uphold the noble human values. The Chairman of the Committee added that the Kingdom of Bahrain, as an active partner in the international community, supports every effort and action to prevent conflicts by investing in preventive diplomacy and promoting a culture of peace. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah also mentioned that the Kingdom of Bahrain is relying on the important and vital role played by the UN Security Council in the protection of international peace and security, especially as the Middle East is facing increasing security challenges and various threats that attempt to destabilize regional stability by interfering in the affairs of other countries and sponsoring terrorism. He cited in this context His Majesty the King†s speech delivered at the opening of the second session of the fifth Legislative Term of the Shura and Representatives councils, that any threat to the freedom of navigation is therefore considered a disruption to world trade, a disturbance to oil prices, and a challenge to the global order. Accordingly, the international community must come together to take firm steps to deter the aggressor, and oblige it to respect international maritime safety laws and treaties, in order to maintain international peace and security. The Chairman of the Committee and the Undersecretary for International Affairs also stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to actively and resolutely contribute to combating extremism and terrorism in all its forms, drying up its sources of funding and complying with established international obligations.