Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Foreign Minister, praised the leading initiatives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in promoting a culture of peace, dialogue, and international understanding. He noted that these initiatives contribute to finding comprehensive and sustainable peaceful solutions to regional and international conflicts, rejecting violence, extremism, and hatred, and building a safer, more stable, and prosperous future for all.
On the occasion of International Day of Peace and the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s “Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace,” the minister also highlighted the role of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting mediation, preventive diplomacy, and international cooperation to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East and beyond.
Al Zayani urged the international community to respond effectively to the royal initiatives approv
ed at the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain, which call for an international peace conference in the Middle East to resolve the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital along the borders of June 4, 1967. He also called for full membership for Palestine in the UN and for providing educational and health services to those affected by conflicts, as well as enhancing Arab cooperation in fintech, innovation, and digital transformation.
The minister called on the UN Security Council to implement international resolutions regarding a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, to protect civilians and civilian facilities, and to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. He stressed the importance of prioritising dialogue and negotiation to ease tense regional situations and prevent military escalation, ensuring the rights of the region’s people to live together in peace and security.
Al Zayani commended the global initiatives
of HM the King that support peaceful coexistence, humanitarian service, and empower women and youth while enhancing education, digital transformation, and sustainable development. He highlighted the role of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) in relief and development work and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence in implementing educational and cultural programmes in partnership with international organisations, aligned with the principles of the “Bahrain Declaration.” He reaffirmed HM the King’s support for calling for an international treaty to criminalise hate speech based on religion, sect, and race, and to prevent the exploitation of media platforms to incite intolerance and extremism.
The minister noted Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships in its regional and international environment, through cooperation with UN agencies and activating comprehensive agreements with the US and UK in security and prosperity. He affirmed Bahrain’s dedication to developing rela
tions with countries worldwide based on peace, good neighbourliness, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, resolving disputes peacefully, and working towards a world free of weapons of mass destruction.
In conclusion, Dr. AbdulLatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stated that the Kingdom, with the wise diplomatic approach of HM the King and the government’s direction under HRH the Crown Prince, prioritises diplomacy of peace, tolerance, and humanity in its foreign policy. He said that this policy is reflected in the National Human Rights Action Plan (2022-2026), which is based on values of religious and cultural diversity, respect for coexistence, and the close connection between security, peace, and the protection of human rights.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
