2026 Diplomatic Forum Launched by Foreign Minister

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Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the 2026 Diplomatic Forum, held in conjunction with Bahrain Diplomatic Day, observed annually on January 14. The forum was attended by His Excellency Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and His Excellency Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Dr. Al Zayani expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for designating January 14 as Bahrain Diplomatic Day, recognising the constructive role of Bahraini diplomacy in implementing foreign policy, supporting national development, and enhancing Bahrain’s international standing. He also thanked His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his continued support of the ministry and its staff.

The Foreign Minister noted that 2025 witnessed intensive diplomatic activity amid complex regional and international challenges, requiring high levels of preparedness, wisdom, and responsibility. He said that the vision of His Majesty the King was reflected in promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence, and in Bahrain’s positive engagement with the international community, based on a foreign policy that supports peace, sustainable development, and respect for human rights. This approach was evident in the outcomes of major events hosted by Bahrain, including the Bahrain Summit, the GCC Supreme Council session, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, and the Manama Dialogue, which reinforced the Kingdom’s role as a global platform for dialogue.

Dr. Al Zayani highlighted the strong momentum in Bahrain’s bilateral relations, marked by exchanges of high-level visits and the signing of agreements, memoranda of understanding, and joint cooperation programmes with numerous countries. He also underlined Bahrain’s active political and humanitarian role in addressing regional crises during 2025, including ongoing conflicts in the region, through participation in international efforts aimed at achieving peace, as well as through coordinated diplomatic and consular actions to ensure the safety and return of Bahraini citizens from affected areas.

Looking ahead, the Foreign Minister said that 2026 will see Bahrain assume major international responsibilities, including the presidency of the GCC Supreme Council, the chairmanship of the Arab League Council at ministerial level, and the presidency of the United Nations Security Council in April 2026. He stressed the important role of heads of diplomatic missions in conveying Bahrain’s positive image and contributing to the success of these responsibilities, while highlighting the ministry’s continued efforts to enhance performance through digital tools and institutional development. He concluded by affirming confidence in the diplomatic corps’ ability to represent the Kingdom with distinction, in the spirit of Team Bahrain.