Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: There is a need to change the perception of the Middle East as a “problematic region” in the world and as a source of conflict and instability that must be addressed accordingly, says Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Foreign Minister, who delivered a speech during the 16th edition of the IISS Manama Dialogue being held in Bahrain, underlined the importance of building a region that adopts dialogue and mutual respect necessitating cooperation and common interests by ensuring the security to achieve prosperity.
The Minister affirmed that Middle East security has been closely linked to global security for seventy years, noting that one of the reasons that prompted the Kingdom of Bahrain to launch the Manama Dialogues more than a decade ago is its awareness that regional security can only be effectively addressed as an integral part of global security with the participation of decision-makers from the region and the world.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also highlighted the challenges facing the world including the malign activities of some region and the current unresolved crises, pointing out that as a result, the efforts today must completely on ensuring the security and stability of the Middle East as an essential component of global security.
He also pointed out the importance of signing the Abraham Accords in enhancing peace, stressing the need for friends and allies around the world to continue their strong support for our efforts to protect and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
He also asserted the importance of finding a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the need to continue political, economic, commercial and diplomatic support for the broader concept of a safe and interconnected region that enjoys peace and prosperity.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the countries of the region need a flexible security deterrence policy complemented by active cyber, economic and diplomatic deterrence, so that our opponents know that we collectively have the means for an effective and proportionate response to any attack.
