Bahrain walks the progressive talk

By Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood

Two international events of considerable significance have shown us that we have officially entered the “post-pandemic world”: the IISS Manama Dialogue with over 300 leaders and influential persons from over 40 countries and at the other end of the spectrum, one of the most glamorous of luxury shows – Jewellery Arabia 2021.

The latter has returned after a hiatus due to the pandemic and represents the undimmed fascination we all have for gems and things of beauty. The Manama Dialogue is especially significant because of the first-time presence of Israel in the participation panel after the signing of the Abraham Accord last year.

It also shows how much the Dialogue has grown in stature as a platform for regional and global strategic solutions about security. This year the Dialogue has welcomed the Kurdistan PM and key ministers from Indonesia and Malaysia to the forum, thereby widening the circle of engagement.

Bahrain has also taken on a major regional role at the helm of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue. It amplifies the Kingdom’s avowed commitment to serve as peacekeeper and development champion for the region.

At the core of all these events is Bahrain’s role as a harbinger of peaceful co-existence and sustainable progress for all. Our leaders understand deeply and wisely that it is not enough to pay lip service to underscore the need for justice and security. Every country has to be actively seen to work towards solutions.

That is why Bahrain has built upon the Manama Dialogue and various regional forums to make its voice heard. We live in an increasingly interconnected world.

By investing in communication and dialogue, we are laying the foundation for a future where people across borders will find it easier to reach out and nip misunderstanding in the bud before it turns into ugly battle that will stifle progress.