Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Establishment of an independent Palestinian state can be achieved through dialogue which serves as a cornerstone to establish a viable, secure, and peaceful entity.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in his speech at the opening of the 33rd Arab League Summit, on Thursday said there was no doubt that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state shall reflect positively on the entire Arab region, to overcome its crises and join hands to advance development in support of all Palestinians.
“Our path forward involves fostering an approach of consultation and engaging in earnest political dialogue, which we hope to see soon, across our Arab world.”
“Our meeting coincides with the ” International Day of Living Together in Peace “. To embody these principles and transmute it into a tangible reality, we must first reach a consensus on endorsing peace as a strategic, indispensable choice to maintain the progress of humanity towards a brighter future.
“Within the framework, the Kingdom of Bahrain proposes a suite of initiatives to contribute to serving core issues essential to the stability and development of the region. Foremost among these is the call for an international conference for peace in the Middle East, in tandem with supporting full recognition of the State of Palestine and the acceptance of its membership in the United Nations. Additionally, a special proposal to provide educational and health services to those affected by conflicts in the region. Furthermore, we propose an initiative focused on developing Arab cooperation in the field of financial technology and digital transformation. We look forward to achieving all of those through joint Arab action channels and international partnerships.
“Arab Summit is held today amidst exceedingly complex regional and international circumstances. Destructive wars, heart-wrenching humanitarian tragedies, and threats to our nation and its identity, security, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity
As these risks surrounding our Arab national security persist, the gravity of our responsibility increases to safeguard our joint Arab progress and embark on a new chapter of stability and development that brings us nearer to our rightful aspirations, as a civilisational power capable of meeting the demands of this era and keeping pace with its advancement.
In light of the denial of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to security, freedom and self-determination, the imperative grows for formulating a joint and urgent Arab and international stance. This stance must be anchored in dialogue and collective solidarity to end the erosion of wars, attain final and fair peace as an immutable choice, if we were to triumph for our humanitarian will in the “battle for peace”.
“As we convene today for Palestine, we underscore that the interest of its people lies in its unity, as an irreplaceable objective. The Palestinian Liberation Organisation will continue to serve as the legitimate representative of this unity.
“Our success in realising advancement and the civilisational foundation to reap the outcome of this success, hinges on the fortitude of our faith and continuing endeavours to give the people of the region enduring peace and a feeling of safety, and to provide them with comprehensive development underpinned by justice, parity, upholding human rights and protecting freedoms.
“We hope that our consultations and decisions will contribute to re-establishing a prosperous present and a bright future that our future generations deserve, and that our meeting will be a constructive historic turning point for our countries and our world, God Almighty willing.”
His Majesty applauded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a pivotal role in bringing the Arab countries together to brave the challenges.
“We are honoured to assume the presidency from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia. We appreciate his constructive efforts and invaluable initiatives during the presidency of the previous session, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister.
His Majesty also underscore the role of the Arab League, and the Secretary General of the United Nations.
“On our behalf and on behalf of the people of Bahrain, we are delighted to extend a warm welcome you in your country, which takes honour in hosting this distinguished Arab gathering. Through it, we reaffirm our collective resolve and optimism for a promising future for our Arab nation, for which we envision goodness and prosperity for our people and all the people of the world.
“We would also like to extend our profound thanks to Ahmed Abul El Gheit, the Secretary General of the Arab League and his outstanding team, for their productive collaboration and meticulously organised preparations to hold this important session.”
