New York, Jan. 29 (BNA): The Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed that it's signing of the Board of Peace charter, under the directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was a response to the invitation from His Excellency Donald Trump, President of the United States, to join the Board. Bahrain noted that the step reflects its support for advancing the full implementation of the peace plan for Gaza as an international framework to protect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and to achieve lasting peace in the region, and expressed hope that the Board of Peace would contribute to stability, development and prosperity for all.

This was stated in Bahrain’s address delivered by Jamal Fares Al Rowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York, during the high-level open debate at the Security Council on the Palestinian issue. The permanent representative noted that the session coincided with the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, which the Kingdom proposed at the UN, emphasising that dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance and coexistence are essential to achieving just and lasting peace, particularly in a region that has long suffered from conflict.

Al Rowaiei renewed Bahrain’s appreciation for the efforts of the US to end the war and establish sustainable peace in the region, and welcomed the launch of the second phase of the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict" under the patronage of HE the US President, including the formation of the "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza" as a temporary transitional body. He expressed the Kingdom’s hope that the committee will succeed in its work to serve the Palestinian people, alleviate their suffering and improve their living conditions.

He called on all parties to support recent diplomatic efforts, particularly the "Trump Peace Plan", and stressed the need to address any obstacles through dialogue and negotiation. He emphasised the importance of a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, sustainable and sufficient humanitarian access for civilians, and the start of reconstruction and recovery.

Al Rowaiei also welcomed positive diplomatic initiatives that contribute to just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region, and highlighted the outcomes of the 33rd Arab Summit, the "Bahrain Summit", including its call for an international peace conference, efforts to increase international recognition of the State of Palestine, support for its full UN membership, and the need to ensure education and healthcare for those affected by conflict.

On the Palestinian issue, he stressed the importance of supporting all regional and international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, including UN relief operations through nited Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Al Rowaiei welcomed the positive steps taken by the Palestinian Authority, including its acceptance of the US plan for Gaza and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, as a constructive path towards a stable and lasting situation in Gaza as an integral part of the Palestinian state. He noted that Bahrain also welcomed the Palestinian Authority’s intention to hold local elections in the West Bank and Gaza on April 15, underlining the importance of the democratic process and Palestinian participation in determining their future. He reiterated the Kingdom’s call for the international community to support the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution and relevant UN resolutions, and to grant Palestine full UN membership. He stressed the need to achieve just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East in line with all relevant UN resolutions, most recently Resolution 2803, and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

He reiterated Bahrain’s commitment, as a Security Council member, to continue working with Council members and all relevant parties to support efforts to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and contribute to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, preserving regional security and stability, upholding international peace and security, and enabling prosperity for all peoples in the region.

A.S, M.B, Z.I