Foreign Minister calls for comprehensive solution to Palestinian-Israeli conflict
Manama, Nov. 18 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has praised the keynote speech delivered by His Royall Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at the opening of the 19th edition of the Manama Dialogue yesterday.
The minister said that His Royal Highness had clearly affirmed the principled and firm position of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the tragic situation in Gaza and condemned the killing of innocent civilians, as well as called for de-escalation, allowing the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance and basic services, releasing innocent civilians held hostage, and working together to end this war.
The Foreign Minister added that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister had made it clear that the solution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict requires a two-state solution, which recognises and fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a viable, secure and independent state where they can develop their social and economic lives, in addition to the need to recognise Israel's security concerns and ensure its security, without which the region will remain on the brink of conflict and instability.
The minister made the statements while addressing the second plenary session entitled "Navigating Global Competition.", held as part of the 19th Manama Dialogue Conference, organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the
The Foreign Minister indicated that the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East region have suffered from a long and difficult history of international competition for land, resources and influence that has persisted over the centuries from countries within and outside the Middle East, using a wide range of political, diplomatic, economic and military strategies.
He added that this competition has led to the suffering of the countries and peoples of the region from ongoing conflicts, instability, painful human suffering and denial of the opportunity to realise their full potential, noting that this competition is still ongoing and has become more complex, dynamic and inclusive.
The Foreign Minister stressed that the world needs a framework of common principles and values that can guide the actions of all parties concerned, noting that the Kingdom of Bahrain believes in the importance of mutual respect, dialogue and tolerance, stressing that these values are crucial in managing global competition and creating peace, stability and prosperity not only in the region and other parts of the world.
He added that these values will help us not only to maintain good relations with our neighbours and partners, but also to shape our constructive engagement with the wider international community, based on noble international principles such as respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and adherence to international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed his conviction that competition can be redirected positively towards our region and beyond by promoting and defending these values and principles on a global scale, and demonstrating their importance to all states, societies and peoples as an opportunity for cooperation and collaboration, mutual benefits and common solutions.
The Foreign Minister noted that the challenges in the Middle East are deep-rooted and complex, calling for the identification of the main themes and issues that must be addressed to achieve a better future, foremost of which is finding a permanent solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the horrors of which continue to unfold before our eyes, stressing the importance of an immediate de-escalation in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the protection of civilians, establishing ceasefire and facilitating delivery of humanitarian relief.
He said that reaching a solution to this conflict requires recognising the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people for the establishment of an independent, secure and viable state alongside the State of Israel, warning that without resolving the Palestinian issue, the region will remain on the brink of conflict and instability.
He also stressed the need to address the presence of violent non-state actors and proxy groups throughout the region, which contribute to instability, spreading sectarianism and increasing tension, noting that disarming them and reducing their influence would promote the rule of law, strengthen state institutions, and establish inclusive governance, which would provide a more stable and secure environment for all.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the interdependence among the countries of the region is of great importance for achieving a stable and secure Middle East through the promotion of economic integration, the establishment of joint ventures, trade expansion and cross-border cooperation, explaining that this will allow the peoples of the countries of the region to benefit from common resources, experiences and opportunities. He stressed that interdependency will thus contribute to the overall prosperity of the region, the promotion of peaceful coexistence and the end of conflicts.
