The GCC Foreign Ministers, who met in Manama on Thursday to discuss the situation after the three days long protests, backed the Kingdom of Bahrain and pledged security and economic support to the country, if needed.
The GCC FMs also strongly rejected the foreign interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom.
“Any attempt to undermine Bahrain’s security and stability represents a dangerous encroachment on the whole GCC security and stability”, the Ministers in a joint statement said.
The GCC FMs pledge follows the 30th GCC extraordinary ministerial meeting and the GCC threw its weight behind the Kingdom of Bahrain, pledging full political, economic and military support to maintain its security and stability.
The meeting also vowed to stand united in confronting any danger threatening any of its members, describing security and stability as a collective responsibility. “The security and stability of the GCC member states is indivisible, in commitment with international conventions and joint defence agreements”, the statement said, citing the principle of GCC collective security.
Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa updated the session on recent developments in Bahrain. The session hailed His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s address to the nation, lauding his directives to cement national unity, enforce the rule of the law and freedom of opinion.
The council also praised HM the King’s order to form a special probe committee in charge of investigating the causes of the recent regrettable incidents. It also paid tribute to HM the King for embarking on the reform project which bolstered the state of institutions and laws and guaranteed citizens the exercise of their inalienable rights. The GCC ministerial session wished Bahrain and its people continuous security and stability under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to achieve further progress and stability.
Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa thanked his GCC counterparts for their initiative to convene an extraordinary ministerial meeting in Manama, hailing their countries’ strong support for Bahrain. He expressed Bahrain’s stance during a press conference held this evening.
Shaikh Khalid deplored the recent regrettable incidents which left several casualties among the military and civilians. He also urged all Bahrainis to protect Bahrain’s hard-won achievements. He credited the reform project, which was initiated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for bolstering achievements and turning Bahrain into a viable economic centre to be reckoned with. UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated his country’s solidarity with Bahrain. “All that endangers Bahrain’s security also threatens the GCC and all countries in the world”, he said.
The US backed the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressing support for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s reform project. Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid received a phone call from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who stressed her country’s keen interest in Bahrain’s security, urging all parties to rally together in support of HM the King’s project.
She also highlighted historic bilateral relations bonding both friendly countries. Shaikh Khalid thanked Secretary Clinton for the US stance, which, he said, reflected deep relations, wishing to work together to promote strong historic relations further
