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Bahrain pledges full support to combat terrorism

A top Bahraini official yesterday pledged Kingdom’s full support to combat terrorism in all forms and dry out its sources of financing for better freedom of navigation and maritime security. “Bahrain is an active partner in the fight against terrorism, as it has suffered from terrorism directed from abroad,” said Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for International Affairs, Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

Speaking during the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) on political and security frameworks, Dr Shaikh Abdullah said Bahrain adamantly supports the comprehensive fight against extremism and terrorism in terms of thought, behaviour, support, funding and shelter. The meeting comes in the context of ongoing efforts to establish a strategic alliance in the Middle East region to promote prosperity, stability and regional security.

He told MESA participants that Bahrain is looking forward to establishing a comprehensive strategic institutional framework and effective partnerships that will reinforce security and development and contribute to the shaping a more prosperous future for the peoples of the countries of the region and is fully aware of the importance of alliances to maintain regional security. “Our constants are in accordance with our vision - there is no security without development, and development cannot continue, flourish or bear fruit without real and lasting security.”

Dr Shaikh Abdullah stressed that achieving stable security and sustainable development for the countries of the region is a collective responsibility that requires coordination and cooperation among the responsible states. The meeting kick-started with welcoming words by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim Lenderking, US Deputy Secretary of Defence for Middle East Affairs, Mike Melroy and Deputy, Director Politico-Military Affairs, Middle East Brigadier General Scott Benedict. Bahrain’s delegation is made up of representatives of the Bahrain Defence Force and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Dr Shaikh Abdullah stressed in a statement at the meeting the importance of the strategic alliance for the Middle East to ensure security and stability and affirmed the commitment of Bahrain to actively participating in the alliance, hailing the efforts made by the US government in making security and stability prevail in the region. He commended the growing Bahraini-US partnership and the strong ties between the two friendly countries.