ABDULLATIF BIN RASHID AL ZAYANI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need to continue international cooperation.  Bahrain’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the virus included providing more than 2.5 million doses to its population free of charge and rolling out a $12 billion economic stimulus.  He also noted that the pandemic had strengthened Bahrain’s ties to WHO.

Turning to human rights, he highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing work with the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the recent signing of a declaration of intent with the resident country coordinator to contribute to the national human rights plan and initiatives for women in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  In addition, Bahrain maintained its Tier 1 status in the United States’ annual Trafficking in Persons Report for the fourth consecutive year.  He also noted that Bahrain was looking forward to the forthcoming COP26 in Glasgow.  Pointing to his country’s efforts to increase its share of renewable energy, he expressed his support to the Saudi Green and the Green Middle East Initiatives.

He went on to say that the recent Al Ula Summit Declaration would promote greater cooperation among member States.  Similarly, the signing of the declaration in support of peace with Israel would aim to consolidate peace in the region.  He called on the international community to find a solution for the Palestinian people by establishing an independent State with East Jerusalem as the capital in accordance with the two-State solution, resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.  As well, a political solution was needed regarding several conflicts, including the Renaissance Dam to preserve water rights for Egypt and Sudan; Libya and its territorial integrity; and Morocco and the situation in West Sahara, to name a few.  Also calling for the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East region, he praised efforts aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring the ability to develop nuclear weapons.