Foreign Minister receives local newspaper editors
Manama, May 21 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received today the editors-in-chief of local newspapers.
The meeting was held to mark the conclusion of Bahrain’s presidency of the 33rd Arab Summit, hosted in the Kingdom on May 16, 2024.
Dr. Al Zayani commended the vital role played by national media in supporting Bahrain’s development and in highlighting its achievements, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Minister noted that Bahrain’s presidency of the Summit reflected His Majesty’s determination to ensure the event was well-organised, constructive, and impactful. He emphasised that the Bahrain Summit served as a message of peace and solidarity, especially at a time of regional challenges.
Dr. Al Zayani highlighted that His Majesty, in the opening address of the Summit, strongly emphasised on the Palestinian issue, expressing concern over the denial of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights. He said His Majesty called for a unified Arab and international position to end conflict and establish a just and lasting peace through dialogue and collective action.
He added that His Majesty had briefed world leaders on the Summit’s outcomes and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through high-level visits to countries including Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France, to rally support for a global peace conference seeking a just and comprehensive solution for Palestine.
The Minister also outlined the international and regional efforts led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, including engagements with heads of government in friendly nations to promote regional peace and stability.
He said that Bahrain’s proposals at the Summit had been well received for their practical approach to regional challenges, including calls to convene an international conference on the two-state solution, support for recognising Palestine, its full UN membership, and improved access to education and healthcare for those affected by conflict. Bahrain also proposed stronger Arab cooperation in financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Dr. Al Zayani said the Cabinet, chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had instructed the formation of a national committee to oversee implementation of Bahrain’s initiatives. He also affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to coordinate these efforts.
He added that the Ministry had played an active role in advancing the Summit’s political outcomes, including participation in follow-up meetings mandated by Arab and Islamic summits. Dr. Al Zayani said that Bahrain had also joined an international coalition, initiated by Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the European Union, to support the two-state solution.
Furthermore, the Minister gave an overview of Bahrain’s upcoming international engagements, including the GCC–ASEAN Summit and the GCC–ASEAN–China Summit, both scheduled to take place in Malaysia, as well as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, the Cairo Conference on Gaza reconstruction, and the international conference on the two-state solution, to be held in New York,US in June co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s preparations for the upcoming UN General Assembly vote in June to select non-permanent members of the Security Council. Bahrain is seeking a seat for the 2026–2027 term, with priorities focused on strengthening multilateralism, upholding international law, including humanitarian law, and addressing traditional and emerging threats to global peace and security, particularly in cybersecurity, maritime security, countering terrorist financing, and encouraging the participation of women and youth in peace and security initiatives.
