MoFA Undersecretary meets UN security, counter-terrorism officials

New York, Sep. 24 (BNA): The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, today met Assistant Secretary General for Military Affairs and United Nations Military Adviser, Lt. Gen. Carlos H. Loitey, on the sidelines of 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) here. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah welcomed the existing partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Nations in various fields and affirmed the keen desire of the Kingdom of Bahrain to reinforce cooperation between the two sides. He praised the United Nations efforts in terms of peacekeeping operations and initiatives to strengthen women’s peacekeeping role as an important addition in the military field. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah pointed out that Bahrain is cashing in on the important UN role in firmly and effectively protecting international peace and security and combating terrorism as a thought, behavior and source of fund. He also stressed that the kingdom, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, will always live up to its international obligations and never hesitate to support any responsible effort pouring into world security and stability. He called for investing in peace and strengthening the discourse of moderation, stressing that Bahrain always opts for peace as a strategic choice and offers the world a model of civilised coexistence and unity relying on the great moral and human values it possesses. Lt. Gen. Loitey praised the Kingdom’s efforts to maintain security and stability in the Middle East and build a distinguished partnership with the United Nations, wishing it further progress and prosperity. The Undersecretary for International Affairs also met Undersecretary General of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office (UNCTO), Vladimir Voronkov. He praised the close cooperation with UN Counter-Terrorism Office, noting in this regard the success of the recently Bahrain-hosted joint workshop to protect the non-profit sector from terrorists’ exploitation, expressing hope this constructive cooperation will continue. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain was making great and successful efforts to combat extremism and terrorism thanks to its comprehensive and integrated strategy. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain contributes effectively to combating extremism and terrorism in all its forms through adhering to the relative international resolutions and participating in regional and international forums in this regard. He warned against harboring terrorist organisations and the globalisation of terrorism with the aim of spreading chaos and instability. He also called for concerted efforts and strong partnership in order to fight the dangers of terrorism and its financing. For his part, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov commended the cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting its efforts in the field of combatting extremism and terrorism. The Undersecretary for International Affairs also met the Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions, Alexandre Zouev. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah lauded the role of the Office of the United Nations in establishing sustainable peace and providing training in various fields. He stressed the need to settle all international disputes through peaceful means and to allow preventive diplomacy and spread the culture of peace to address the existing crises. He pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes regional and international security partnerships to support common security. He also called for a comprehensive and integrated international framework to combat extremism, terrorism and for the disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Affairs also pointed out that the reform approach of HM King Hamad provides citizens with the right conditions for a decent life. He noted that HM the King had succeeded in consolidating the foundations of the modern civil state within the framework of the rule of law. For his part, the Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions expressed his aspiration to enhance cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressing that the Kingdom has a special record of accomplishments in achieving the objectives of the United Nations, especially the maintenance of international peace and security.