Don’t interfere in internal affairs, Minister tells Iran

Manama : Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa yesterday warned Iran that interfering in the internal affairs of states and illegal attempts to take over grounds would result in ‘serious consequences’. 

Speaking as the Heads of States, Economists and politicians gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum, the Minister during a session on ‘Finding a New Equilibrium in the Middle East’ said: “The region is in a state of continuous change, which requires all countries to play their role in developing the region and maintaining its security and stability.”

In response to questions raised during the session, Shaikh Khalid stressed the need for Iran to abide by the principles of good neighbourliness, international laws and norms, the Charter of the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which prohibit all forms of interference in the internal affairs of States. 

He added: “There are those who want change for the sake of progress, while others are working on a change to expand their influence at the expense of regional security.”

Shaikh Khalid called on all countries to “work together for the benefit of all, not for their own interests.” The Minister also urged to engage positively and constructively to enhance security, stability and joint cooperation in the region.

These actions, the Minister said, would help reach radical solutions to the challenges and threats faced by the region as a whole. 

He further affirmed that the international forces are playing an important role in working with their allies in order to maintain security and peace in the region. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, and a number of other international officials were present. 

The event is being held in the Swiss Confederation under the theme: “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World”. 

Shaikh Khalid affirmed that the participation of Bahrain in the forum reflects its established policy of building bridges of cooperation with various countries of the world.

The Minister told the conference that regional and international developments always necessitate collective dialogue and continuous discussion to achieve economic prosperity, social cohesion and overcoming the crisis. 

The minister affirmed the importance of the historical and strategic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, which is witnessing progress and development in various fields.