Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said this Assembly session coincides with his country’s election as a non-permanent member of the Council for the next two years.  Its role as host of the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in December reinforces “its role as a key partner in advancing regional and international peace, security and coexistence.” He outlined several pillars for a vision of global peace, coexistence and prosperity aligned with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, the first being a commitment to peaceful solutions to conflicts, especially in the Middle East.

This commitment includes a call for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and detainees, advancing the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and other actions.  “My country warns of the repercussions of the war in Gaza on regional stability and global interests,” he said, condemning the Israeli attack on Qatar.  He also called for negotiations and diplomatic solutions as the path to resolving the Palestinian issue in line with international law and the Charter.  He urged the international community to respond to the initiative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa endorsed by the thirty-third Arab Summit, the “Bahrain Summit”, which called for an international peace conference in the Middle East.

Another pillar, he continued, is the promotion of a culture of peace, tolerance, coexistence and dialogue between religions and cultures, in line with the principles of the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration.  A third pillar of its vision relates to strengthening international strategic partnerships for security, peace and prosperity.  The fourth pillar reaffirms Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation for sustainable development and humanitarian solidarity, including tackling poverty around the world.  Proud of its cooperation with the UN, Bahrain reaffirms its commitment “to sharing its experience as a leading model of reform and constant development, legislative modernization and a homeland of tolerance, coexistence, religious freedom and humanitarian work”, he said.