Washington, Oct. 2 (BNA): Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, led Bahrain’s delegation at the meeting of the ” Working Group on Strengthening Strategic Cooperation to Support Peace and Security” within the framework of the fourth Strategic Dialogue with the United States in Washington.
Ambassador John Bas, the Acting Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, led the American side.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed praised the historical relations and the growing partnership between the Kingdom and the US across various political, security, defence, human rights, economic, and technical fields. He emphasised their shared commitment to establishing regional and global security and peace within the framework of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement.
He affirmed Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to enhancing the strategic partnership with the United States and supporting multilateral international cooperation to achieve just and comprehensive peace and security in the Middle East.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed stressed the importance of resolving regional and international conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic means and promoting peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the region and various cultures and civilizations.
The ambassador expressed his appreciation for Bahrain’s efforts as a strategic ally and partner of the US outside of NATO, in maintaining international peace and security, combating extremism and terrorism, and advancing human rights, particularly in combating human trafficking.
He emphasised that holding the fourth Strategic Dialogue meetings is a testament to the depth of the bilateral strategic partnership and its advancement across various fields.
The meeting discussed ways to enhance political, diplomatic, and economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in light of the one-year anniversary of signing the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement and the twenty-year anniversary of the Free Trade Agreement.
Both countries look forward to further cooperation, coordination, and exchange of experiences in maintaining regional and global security and peace, protecting maritime navigation, keeping pace with technological advancements, safeguarding human rights, promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and combating extremism and terrorism.
The two sides also reviewed regional and international efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza strip, protecting civilians and civilian property, releasing hostages and detainees, facilitating humanitarian aid to the civilian population, and reducing military escalation and tension in the region.
This is in light of initiatives led by Bahrain, the current chair of the Arab League Council, which were endorsed by the Arab Summit, including a call for an international peace conference in the Middle East to achieve a comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, providing educational and health services to countries affected by conflicts, and developing cooperation in financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
H.F, S.E
