As the President of the United Nations Security Council this April, Bahrain convened a significant open debate on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question.” The session was steered by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
Key officials, including Khaled Khiari, Espen Barth Eide, and Tony Blair, participated in this important meeting.
In his remarks, Dr. Al Zayani reinforced Bahrain’s unwavering pledge to promote international peace and security. He underscored the urgency of finding a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian situation, identifying it as pivotal for the region's stability.
Reiterating its commitment to the Palestinian people's rights, Bahrain advocated for their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This stance aligns with the Arab Peace Initiative and recognized international resolutions.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the significance of executing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 as an essential step towards resolving the Gaza conflict, reinforcing the ceasefire, and supporting the proposed “Board of Peace.”
He remarked on Bahrain’s active diplomatic role, reflecting King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s commitment to peace initiatives, including participation in the inaugural Board of Peace meeting led by Donald Trump in Washington.
Dr. Al Zayani accentuated the importance of fostering dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolutions. He called for preservation of the legal and historical context of Jerusalem and support for the custodianship role of Jordan, along with the Al Quds Committee, chaired by King Mohammed VI.
Bahrain expressed strong opposition to forced displacement and efforts to alter demographics within Palestinian territories. There was also a call for an immediate cessation of illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and warnings against actions that could heighten tensions and extremism.
The minister remarked that achieving long-lasting peace necessitates addressing broader regional challenges. He urged the pursuit of diplomatic resolutions to tensions with Iran, emphasizing respect for nation sovereignty and international law, while also advocating for the safety of navigation in vital waterways, such as the Strait of Hormuz, and calling for an end to destabilizing activities in the region.
Concluding the discussions, Bahrain appealed to the international community to shift focus from merely managing crises to cultivating enduring solutions through collaborative effort, dialogue, and diplomacy, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
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