‘Stand up for Peace’

Manama : The right way to resolve the region’s problems is through the major and effective Arab states such as the Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council states, stressed Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, yesterday. 

Affirming the role of Jordan and Egypt in the process, the Minister also said that every state that has a sincere desire to cooperate in the process can be a part of it. 

Further, the Minister expressed hope that Iraq will return as a strong nation in the Arab world, since its strength, unity and stability are essential elements to the whole region’s stability.

In his speech at the Manama Dialogue held yesterday, Shaikh Khalid praised the success of the 37th session of the GCC Summit held in Bahrain.

The Minister said it was an important stage to let the GCC countries move towards further cooperation in defence and security, as well as in economic integration. He also highlighted the need to complete development projects to further boost GCC economy.

The Minister also praised the outcome of the summit which affirmed the importance of bolstering the strong, historic relations between GCC and the UK.

“The relationship extends for about 200 years and is marked by keenness to create further opportunities for economic and security cooperation,” the Minister said.

Shaikh Khalid also strongly criticised the role of Iran in destabilising the security and stability of the region, pointing out that the Islamic Republic has been carrying out this dangerous act for more than 30 years.

“Iran has been exploiting every conflict in the region in an effort to extend its influence. This is in addition to its support to terrorism to destabilise the security and stability of the Arab states,” he pointed out. 

The Minister further stressed that good relations cannot be built with Iran unless it  decides to drastically change its policies.