Bahrain's reforms, development efforts highlighted

Brussels, Feb. 22 (BNA): The Royal Institute for International Relations hosted at its headquarters in the Belgian capital Brussels Board of Trustees Chairman of Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT) Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa to give a lecture in a special symposium on regional developments in the Gulf region, in the presence of chairmen of centres for strategic studies, ambassadors, specialists and mass media. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out the similarity between Bahrain and Belgium, stressing that both countries have represented since the antiquity two important centres for trade and culture. He said both countries set two interesting models in two different regions in the world that small countries with low population can be very influential and big with their stances and the wisdom of their leaderships. He emphasised the ability of those countries to engage effectively in regional and international gatherings and melt religious and ethnic differences by managing diversity within the framework of unity and tolerance. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah reviewed developments in the Middle East and security challenges which represent the most influential element on the future of the region. He also spotlighted the Iranian expansionist project which is in breach of the international law. He described the international focus on preventing Iran from possessing the nuclear weapon while granting it privileges and concessions as a blatant strategic mistake. He criticised ignoring Iran’s role in producing, funding and backing terrorism through armed networks and cells and by shaking regional stability. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah demanded the international community to exert pressure to contain the policies of the Iranian regime to shake regional security and stability. Concerning the crisis with Qatar, he affirmed that Qatar did not respect regional fundamentals, security demands and relations of good neighbourliness. It rather, he added, tried to exploit the gas wealth to earn regional leverage by “allying with the devil”, represented by the terrorist groups. In the second part of the lecture, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah spoke about priorities of Bahrain’s foreign policies, including mainly to continue working with allies and partners and boost cooperation with them. He stressed Bahrain’s keenness, in line with a royal vision, to build a balanced and effective regional security system based on the principles of reform, sustainable development, fighting all forms of extremism and terrorism, no interference in other countries’ affairs and promoting strategic partnerships. He said Bahrain adopts an open and moderate vision of moderate Islam and the reform process is based on diversity within the framework of unity. He also underlined the kingdom’s effective role in the international counter-terrorism coalition and the Islamic Military Counter-terrorism Alliance. He also pointed out Bahrain’s steps to preserve its status as a financial, investment and business hub, diversify its economy and promote a knowledge-based economy.