Foreign Minister holds press conference with Greek counterpart
Athens, Jan. 5 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference with George Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic.
Dr. Al Zayani expressed his gratitude to the Greek Foreign Minister for the constructive, and fruitful atmosphere that prevailed during the discussions between the two sides, which focused on a number of priorities and shared issues of mutual interest, means to enhance cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Hellenic Republic, exploring multiple opportunities for mutual benefit, and launching projects and initiatives to strengthen relations.
During the press conference, Dr. Al Zayani emphasised the Kingdom of Bahrain’s steadfast commitment, based on the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister; to supporting that the Middle East remains a safe, stable, prosperous, and sustainable region. He noted that this vision constitutes a fundamental pillar of Bahrain’s foreign policy, which is based on dialogue and mutual understanding, respect for international law, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
He added that the two sides confirmed their shared determination to cooperate closely and effectively during their respective memberships on the United Nations Security Council, noting that the positions of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Hellenic Republic are aligned in their commitment to supporting international peace and security, upholding the rules-based international order, and promoting sustainable development and prosperity at both regional and global levels.
The Minister said that the two sides discussed ways to enhance coordination and integration between them as Greece completes its first year of Security Council membership, enabling both countries to contribute more effectively to fulfilling their responsibilities on the Council.
Additionally, Dr. Al Zayani explained that maritime security in the region is one of Bahrain’s special priorities during its Security Council membership, given its important role in achieving global stability, ensuring the flow of international trade, and supporting economic prosperity. He noted that both countries underscored their commitment to taking an active and responsible role in this area.
He highlighted that the two sides exchanged views on regional developments, emphasising the importance of fully implementing the plan of His Excellency Donald Trump, the United States President, to end the Gaza conflict, and the necessity of engaging in serious and good-faith efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as the only path to sustainable peace, security, and prosperity for all parties, while opening broader regional opportunities.
The Minister noted that the two sides welcomed international efforts to support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, stressing the importance of preserving Lebanon’s security, unity, and stability, ensuring full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, and the need to reach a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. He also emphasised the urgent need to halt Houthi attacks on international navigation and the importance of preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly ensuring Iran’s adherence to its commitments regarding its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
On his part, the Greek Foreign Minister commended the strong relations between the two countries. He said that the Kingdom of Bahrain is a country with geopolitical weight far exceeding its geographic size, adding that the Arabian Gulf, with its strategic location and diplomatic presence, plays an important role in global diplomacy.
The Greek Minister noted the importance of strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries during their membership on the United Nations Security Council. He welcomed Bahrain’s membership on the Council, stating that the two countries would work together during a critical phase for international multilateralism and the global security architecture, expressing his anticipation of close and constructive cooperation to enhance international peace and security, with full respect for international law and the principles and values of the United Nations Charter.
The Greek Foreign Minister added that the two sides exchanged views on the Middle East and developments in Gaza, and expressed the desire to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and move to the next phase of the peace plan presented by US President Donald Trump, including the recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, as well as initiating a comprehensive political process leading to a two-state solution.
He said that it is important for the two countries to work together to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, and tourism, and emphasised the importance of interconnection in energy, transport, digital networks, and the movement of people, as a foundation for cross-regional cooperation that underpins global security and stability.
