Foreign Minister leads Bahrain's delegation at BRICS summit
Kazan, Oct. 24 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led Bahrain's delegation to the BRICS summit held under the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Global Development and Security" in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, chaired by His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
The summit was attended by BRICS leaders, heads of governments, country representatives, and António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Dr. Al Zayani delivered a speech, which he started by conveying the regards of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and their wishes of success to the summit. He reiterated Bahrain’s appreciation for BRICS’ vision and goals, despite not being a member, and commended the group’s focus on economic growth, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
The minister highlighted the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East, a region of strategic global significance, as the ongoing conflicts affect not only the region but also global security, stability, and prosperity. He said that history has proven that violence and conflict are obstacles that hinder progress and economic development. The minister emphasised that this urgent need was an area of focus of the Arab Summit hosted by Bahrain in May.
The summit called for an international conference aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution, establishing a viable, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital along the pre-June 4, 1967 lines, in accordance with international resolutions. It also supported efforts towards recognising the state and granting it full membership in the United Nations.
Dr. Al Zayani said that achieving peace in the Middle East was not only a regional necessity, but also vital for achieving the broader objectives of BRICS. He stressed that a safe and stable Middle East can contribute to a sustainable and dynamic environment conducive for trade, investments and growth, and one that provides the opportunity for active cultural exchange between among societies.
The minister said the Kingdom of Bahrain called on BRICS members to support peace efforts in the region, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon. He said that BRICS members can contribute, through dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, to paving the way to a brighter future, not only for the Middle, but for the world.
The minister concluded by highlighting the importance of collective commitment to peace and urged BRICS to work towards a world founded on stability, mutual respect, cooperation, and human solidarity.
The delegation included Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Saati, Bahrain's Ambassador to Russia.
