Bahrain Foreign Minister Addresses UN Security Council Debate on UN Charter Principles

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com 

The Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the high-level open debate of the United Nations Security Council titled “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations and Maintaining International Peace and Security,” held at the UN headquarters in New York.

The session was chaired by Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.

Bahrain’s delegation was led by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who delivered the Kingdom’s statement during the session attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, along with heads of government and foreign ministers from several countries.

Dr. Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to the principles on which the United Nations was founded 80 years ago, including respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, rejection of threats or the use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He urged the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibilities in line with the UN Charter in a way that strengthens confidence in the multilateral system.

The foreign minister said the debate comes at a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges, including humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, terrorism, extremism, climate threats, health emergencies, and cyber risks. He stressed that the multilateral system is being put to a critical test and that the Security Council carries the responsibility of reinforcing collective efforts to maintain international peace and security, achieve sustainable development, and uphold human rights.

Dr. Al Zayani said the suffering of the Palestinian people must remain at the forefront of international efforts, supporting their right to establish an independent and sovereign state under the two-state solution and accelerating full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine.

He added that Bahrain supports the outcomes of the first meeting of the Board of Peace chaired by President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the war in Gaza, launching reconstruction efforts, and initiating a comprehensive political process for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

The minister noted that civilians, particularly women and children, continue to bear the greatest burden of conflicts and humanitarian crises, while food insecurity now affects more than 266 million people worldwide and the number of displaced persons has exceeded 123 million.

Dr. Al Zayani also highlighted the impact of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it disrupted energy markets and major shipping routes, halted food and medicine supplies, and affected international trade, resulting in global economic losses estimated in the trillions of dollars. He said many countries had been forced to adopt emergency measures to protect consumers.

He stressed Bahrain’s call for Iran to comply with international law, principles of good neighbourliness, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, supported by 136 countries, as well as Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1. He said this would help guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways while preventing the imposition of fees. He also called on Iran to end support for armed militias and destabilising activities.

The foreign minister expressed appreciation for the efforts of Bahrain’s armed forces, along with GCC and Arab countries, in confronting Iranian attacks, stressing the legitimate right of affected states to reparations and fair compensation.

Dr. Al Zayani welcomed progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran, facilitated through Pakistani efforts, saying discussions had reached advanced stages that could pave the way for a memorandum of understanding supporting lasting regional peace.

He praised President Donald Trump’s role and commitment to advancing peace through diplomatic consultations with regional leaders, describing it as an effective approach to resolving conflicts.

The minister reiterated Bahrain’s support for continued diplomatic efforts addressing all key issues linked to the dispute, including Iran’s nuclear programme, missile capabilities, and support for armed militias, in a manner that promotes regional peace, development, and coexistence.

Dr. Al Zayani said peace in the region also depends on achieving stability in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and Lebanon, while supporting Syria and Iraq in their efforts towards prosperity and security. He added that regional peace remains closely linked to global stability, especially in Europe, and reaffirmed support for peaceful diplomatic solutions in line with the UN Charter.

He stressed that safeguarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a collective international responsibility essential for securing global energy, food, and medicine supplies and maintaining the uninterrupted flow of international trade.

The foreign minister affirmed Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening multilateral cooperation.

He noted that Bahrain’s upcoming membership in the Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, its presidency of the GCC, and its active role in the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation reflect its dedication to advancing global cooperation, including women, peace and security, and youth, peace and security agendas.

Dr. Al Zayani said Bahrain is also working to strengthen international cooperation in addressing technological and digital challenges, including through partnerships with China, while promoting the responsible and secure use of innovation and artificial intelligence technologies to bridge the digital divide, support developing countries, encourage coexistence, and combat extremism through media and digital platforms.

He highlighted Bahrain’s initiatives including the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, launched in line with the Bahrain Declaration on freedom of religion and belief.

The minister concluded by stressing Bahrain’s call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations and its institutions, including the Security Council, to better reflect current global realities and strengthen efficiency and integrity in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future.

He affirmed that safeguarding the UN Charter means safeguarding hope for a more just and equitable international order, reiterating Bahrain’s commitment to working with member states and international and regional organisations to ensure peace and stability for all nations.